I recently watched this fantastic TED talk on
GRIT that is being shared across the internet. It is a video
worthy of your time.
Angela Lee Duckworth, a University of Pennsylvania Psychologist defines
grit as the “perseverance and passion for
long-term goals". In a blog post by Jenny Williams, she states it "... is a better indicator of future
earnings and happiness than
either IQ or talent.” ( https://afineparent.com/building-character/what-is-grit.html )
Duckworth explains
her research underscores the need for us all to be ‘gritty’ when helping our
kids develop grit.
How can a parent
help a child develop grit, you ask?
Duckworth acknowledges
that she does not fully know. (Refreshing, right?) A child is unique. Learning
is not ‘one size fits all’. We must all learn to learn. How successful you are
as lifelong learner is determined by more than just a measurement of IQ or
talent.
Learning is a
lifelong function and needs a marathon mindset. Learning is not ‘done’ at the
end of a grade, or when a project is turned in for a grade. Learning is not a sprint. Learning is more
than memorization and the ability to perform certain tasks and skills. Learning
also includes the ability to wait, the ability to reset after failure, and to
know that failure is not a permanent state.
Duckworth
highlights a ‘growth mindset’, referencing a study from Stanford University, as
an important concept to share with students. It actually empowers them to
understand what happens to the brain when we learn. The growth mindset concept
allows the student to adapt, to wait when needed, and to learn in the struggle.
Learning to wait for an hour before playing a video game, waiting your turn in
line, waiting to buy something with money saved over time is all part of the
‘growth mindset’ and will ensure a student’s ability to be gritty and thrive.
Duckworth
challenges us all to be “more gritty”.
Creating a plan of action that guides
our family through busy and demanding times also helps build grit. It supports a marathon mindset and moves us
away from constantly running around putting out fires.
Here is a powerful tool to help
your family develop a ‘growth mindset’ and foster grit:
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