True Grit

Ready for the new school year? Don’t forget your passion and perseverance.

This time of year always feels like the unofficial kickoff of the “New Year.” The lazy days of summer give way to the structured cadence of the autumn schedule. Vacations end and school begins. Families get busy and the calendar fills up. As you embark on all the tasks you have this upcoming fall and you take stock of what you will need to achieve your goals, be sure not to overlook one critical characteristic: Grit.

This summer I had the pleasure of attending a conference where Angel Duckworth presented on the value of Grit. She is the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Why is Grit so important for accomplishing what you want this upcoming year? Well, Duckworth defines Grit as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Think about any project you or your kids are tackling this upcoming year. Accomplishing any goal requires many factors. But sustained passion and discipline applied to that task will likely be the most important.

Grit is something that can actually be measured. Check out how gritty you see yourself by completing the Grit Scale. Duckworth’s research shows how the measure of grit can indicate how likely a person will be successful at accomplishing a certain goal. Duckworth has found that “grit predicts achievement in really challenging and personally meaningful contexts. Graduating from high school or college rather than dropping out is one example.”

Developing grit builds a comfort with the frustration and confusion that is natural in achieving any important goal. Persevering through obstacles and challenges become ways in which we grow and strengthen our character. Scripture even points to the important role perseverance plays in our lives. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

In today’s culture, a great deal of value is placed on talent acquisition. Skill and talent are vital. But grit is often the forgotten ingredient that leads to true success. Even satisfaction. And grit is something that can be taught, strengthened and developed at any age.

“Grit may not be sufficient for success, but it sure is necessary. If we want our children to have a shot at a productive and satisfying life, we adults should make it our concern to provide them with the two things all children deserve: challenges to exceed what they were able to do yesterday and the support that makes that growth possible.”

– Angela Duckworth

So what does grit practically look like?

It takes shape through “Deliberate Practice.” Deliberate Practice follows the following cycle: Set a stretch goal → Focus 100% on goal → Get feedback → Reflect and Refine → Repeat.

This fall, try applying this Deliberate Practice by identifying your goals, scheduling time in your weekly calendar to focus on that goal and seek out feedback on your progress. You may find that this rhythm helps you achieve your most important goals.

Happy unofficial New Year to you and your family. May it be a gritty and wildly successful and satisfying year!

Learn more about Angela Duckworth and her work on grit here.