TRUE GRIT PART 2

When I wrote the blog post TRUE GRIT (Read here), I wasn't planning on writing  a part two.

To be honest, this topic is a passion of mine and I could probably write a book about it (maybe one day I will). Yet my intention in writing the original post was to share the meat of the study on Grit from Dr. Angela Duckworth and also  a few ideas of my own.

But, I have decided to write TRUE GRIT PART 2 for one simple reason... Kendric Maple. 

Kendric is a Division 1 Wrestling National Champion for Oklahoma University. He is more than just a National Champion though, he is an amazing human being, a great student, and possesses a world-class mindset. Kendric is the kind of guy that changes the atmosphere of a room for the better when he walks into it. 

He is the kind of man that people name their son's after. No really, his high school wrestling coach (Michael Church, my former college teammate) named his son after Kendric. To that I say, well done Coach Church. I can't think of a better young man to name your son after!

Kendric reads my blogs and often sends me feedback on them (thankfully it's always positive). He says he's a fan and follower, but really it's me that's a fan of his. So when he sent me the following information about Grit in a text, I felt I should share it with others in a follow up blog post (with his permission of course).

Kendric Maple's thoughts on Grit and it's connection to success in sports and life...

I completely believe in Dr. Angela Duckworth's study results, that grit is the key to success. I also feel that your input relating grit to sports, family, and life adds to its' wisdom. 

Your grit building methods are right in line with my beliefs as well. Kids ask me all the time how did I get where I am today. I've been looking for a word to give them. I knew it wasn't just about being somewhat athletic or having amazing coaches (which I did). 

It was also some desire and strength that was pushing me to the top (Grit). When I look back to think of how I got my "grittiness", I think it was everything you listed... like working hard for my dream, encouragement, and depending on God. I also learned grit from what I perceived from my dad.

As a kid I always saw my dad chasing his dreams. I saw him give up a lot of things and work above and beyond what other people were doing in order to reach them. 

So for me, the key to building grit was just finding my dream (wrestling) and I already knew how to chase it.

Thanks for the wisdom! -Kendric

AWESOME! 

I love the fact that Kendric's dad modeled grit in pursuing his dreams. This in turn has allowed Kendric to pursue his own dreams and model grit for others.

The world needs gritty people like Kendric and his Dad that have passion, big dreams, and are willing to stay the course to fulfill their dreams. This inspires everyone around them to be better and to have some TRUE GRIT!


God Bless and Boomer Sooner,


Coach P