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Understanding and Developing Grit for Success

May 30, 2025

Lecture Notes: The Power of Grit

Introduction

  • Topic: Characteristics of self-motivation, focusing on grit.
  • Context: Importance of grit for success in challenging environments.

Case Study: US Military Academy at West Point

  • "The Beast" Program:
    • A tough, physically and mentally challenging 7-week program.
    • High dropout rates among new cadets.
    • Traditional metrics (SAT, ACT, leadership assessments) do not predict success.

Angela Duckworth's Research

  • Grit Scale:
    • 12-question assessment given to cadets.
    • Higher grit scores correlated with completing "The Beast."
    • Defines grit as passion and perseverance toward a long-term goal.
  • Spelling Bee Study:
    • Grittier teenagers spend more time studying and perform better.

Characteristics of Grit

  • Not positively related to IQ.
  • Highly correlated with conscientiousness:
    • Hardworking, self-directed, persistent, resilient.
  • Focus on a single long-term meaningful goal.
  • Differentiation from conscientiousness:
    • Grit focuses on a single, meaningful long-term goal.
    • Conscientious people may not have a specific long-term focus.

Examples of Grit

  • Steven Spielberg: Rejected from film school three times.
  • Oprah Winfrey: Told she was unfit for TV.
  • Beyoncé: Told she couldn't sing.
  • Will Smith: Metaphor of treadmill endurance.
  • Sonia Sotomayor:
    • Grew up with challenges but focused on becoming an attorney.
    • Used grit to navigate educational and career obstacles.

Developing Grit

  • Grit can be learned and developed.
  • Angela Duckworth's Approach:
    • Works with school systems to instill grit in students.
    • Shows students rejection letters to build resilience.
  • Warren Buffett's Strategy:
    • Identify top goals, focus on them, avoid distractions of lesser goals.
    • Align goals for common purpose and efficient effort.

Risks of Excess Grit

  • Health Implications:
    • Persistence on unattainable goals can be harmful.
    • Importance of knowing when to let go of unattainable goals.
  • Life Balance:
    • Excessive focus on goals can affect other life areas (health, relationships).
    • Too much self-control can be as unfulfilling as too little.

Conclusion

  • Grit is crucial for achieving long-term goals.
  • Balancing grit with the ability to let go of unattainable goals is important.
  • Encouragement to develop grit while maintaining balance in life.

Final Thoughts

  • Recognition of the listener's grit in engaging with the material.
  • Emphasis on the usefulness and enjoyment of learning about grit.