TRUE GRIT

Could this be the most important key to Success?

According to Dr. Angela Duckworth (Bio here),  GRIT might be the most important factor for Success in life.

Dr. Duckworth and a team of researchers intentionally traveled to some of the most challenging settings available in order to study both children and adults in search of predictors of success. The studies were conducted with two key thoughts in mind: Who would be successful in these settings and Why?

The studies were conducted on cadets at West Point,  contestants at the National Spelling bee, rookie teachers in tough neighborhoods, and employees of private companies. Data was collected in multiple areas during the studies and one characteristic stood out above the rest as a predictor of success.

The top characteristic that led to success in all the studies wasn't social intelligence, good looks, physical health, or IQ. It was plain old Grit.

So, what exactly is Grit? 

Dr. Duckworth describes grit as passion and perserverance for very long term goals. She also states that grit has the following attributes or markers:

• Stamina
• Sticking with your future day in and day out for years.
• Working really hard to make that future a reality.
• Living life like a marathon rather than a sprint.

Wow! I like it!

As a long time athlete, coach, and teacher, I believe in grit. I believe in grit and understand that is does lead to success. My dad (a long time educator/coach) always said "Standardized test can't measure a persons work ethic and intestinal fortitude. But, those are the things that make a person succeed in school, sports, and life." 

Basically he was saying what Dr. Duckworth's studies have proven... Grit leads to success.

The question left unanswered by Dr. Duckworth's study is this, How do we build grit? Dr. Duckworth says she is not sure and therefore we must be gritty about studying grit. Good answer.

Here are a few of my thoughts on building grit for yourself, your team, your family, etc. 

• Paint Vision! This means building a dream, allowing others to dream, and having a plan to reach that dream. When people can connect a dream to their passion, then they are more willing to persevere for a long period of time. Action steps also need to be attached when you are painting vision. You don't have to see every stair, but you need to know where the staircase is located.

• Encourage others and yourself. This means to literally be their courage. You need to believe in them until they can believe in themselves. You also need to believe in you, even if you don't think anyone else does. 

• Fill your mind with good. What you take in produces what comes out. 

• Last and most important in my book: Realize that you can't do everything yourself. Ask for help from people that inspire you, are good at what you want to be good at, and that care about you. Also, ask for help from God as He is truly our source of strength. God will do what you can't when you've done what you can.

God Bless,


Coach P

P.S. Below is a link to the TED Talk on Grit:
Click Here for Dr. Angela Duckworth's TED Talk on Grit