5.8 Resilience and Grit

Grit can be defined as personal perseverance toward a task or goal. In learning, it can be thought of as a trait that drives a person to keep trying until they succeed. It is not tied to talent or ability but is simply a tendency to not give up until something is finished or accomplished.

This personality trait was defined as “grit” by the psychologist Angela Duckworth. In a 2007 study Duckworth and colleagues found that individuals with high grit were able to maintain motivation in learning tasks despite failures. The study examined a cross section of learning environments, such as GPA scores in Ivy League universities, dropout rates at West Point, rankings in the National Spelling Bee, and general educational attainment for adults. What the results showed was that grit and perseverance were better predictors of academic success and achievement than talent or IQ.

In the college setting, Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit remains the same: it is the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. However, she explains that grit in the college setting is particularly important because college is a time when students face significant challenges and setbacks.

According to Duckworth, grit in college involves several key components. Firstly, it requires having a clear sense of purpose or direction, which allows students to stay motivated and focused on their goals. Secondly, it involves the ability to persevere in the face of adversity, such as academic difficulties, personal challenges, or social pressures. This means being able to stay committed to one’s goals despite setbacks or failures.

Thirdly, grit in college also involves developing effective strategies for learning and problem-solving. This means being able to adapt to new situations, seek out feedback and support, and persist through challenging coursework.

Overall, Duckworth emphasizes that grit is a key factor in college success, as it allows students to stay focused, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges. By developing grit, students can increase their chances of achieving their long-term academic and career goals.

College students can apply grit in several ways:

1. Set clear goals: College students can apply grit by setting clear and specific goals that align with their values and interests. These goals should be challenging yet achievable and should provide a sense of direction and purpose.
2. Focus on long-term success: Gritty college students understand that success is not immediate and requires consistent effort over time. They focus on the long-term and avoid distractions that may interfere with their goals.
3. Persevere through challenges: College students can apply grit by persisting through challenges and setbacks. This may involve seeking out support and resources, developing effective problem-solving strategies, and maintaining a positive attitude.
4. Practice self-discipline: Gritty college students practice self-discipline by developing habits that support their goals, such as prioritizing their time, staying organized, and avoiding procrastination.
5. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn: Gritty college students view failure as a natural part of the learning process and use it as an opportunity to reflect on their progress and adjust their approach.
6. Purpose is a major contributor to anything we pursue. If you have a strong purpose in any activity, you have reason to persist at it. Think in terms of end goals and why doing something is worth it. Purpose answers the question of “Why should I accomplish this?”
7. Have hope in what you are doing.

By applying these strategies, college students can cultivate grit and increase their chances of achieving their long-term academic and career goals.

A psychological tendency that can undermine motivation is negative self-talk. Negative self-talk can lead individuals to dwell on negative thoughts and feelings, which can undermine their motivation and persistence.  This can make it difficult for individuals to maintain their focus on long-term goals, especially when faced with setbacks or challenges.

Grit and negative self-talk are connected in that individuals with high levels of grit are more likely to resist negative self-talk. Individuals with high levels of grit tend to be more resilient and better able to cope with adversity. They have a powerful sense of purpose and are committed to achieving their goals. Overall, grit can be a valuable trait in combating negative self-talk, as it can help individuals stay committed, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges.

What follows are methods for overcoming negative self-talk. Each focus on being aware of any negative attitude or emphasizing the positive aspects in a situation.

Overall, overcoming negative self-talk requires intentional effort and practice. By becoming aware of these patterns of thinking, challenging, and reframing negative thoughts, practicing positive self-talk, and seeking support, you can develop a more positive and constructive mindset.