Overview
This lecture explores the importance of "grit"—passion and perseverance for long-term goals—as a critical factor in success, beyond IQ or talent, emphasizing the need for further research on how to cultivate it.
Observations from Teaching
- IQ is not the sole determinant of student success.
- Students with average IQ often outperform students with higher IQ.
- Hard work and persistence are key to learning challenging concepts.
Research on Success Predictors
- Studies were conducted in various challenging environments (West Point, National Spelling Bee, tough schools, private companies).
- Success was not best predicted by social intelligence, good looks, health, or IQ.
- "Grit" emerged as the most significant predictor of success across contexts.
Definition and Impact of Grit
- Grit means passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
- Grit involves stamina and working persistently over years.
- Grit predicts outcomes like graduation rates, persistence in jobs, and educational achievement.
Grit vs. Talent
- Talent alone does not guarantee grit.
- Many talented individuals do not follow through on commitments.
- Grit and talent are often unrelated or inversely related.
Building Grit and Growth Mindset
- Little is currently known about how to develop grit.
- Growth mindset: the belief that abilities can improve with effort.
- Growth mindset helps students persist after failure.
- Adopting growth mindset may foster grit, but more research is needed.
Next Steps for Education and Research
- Further testing and measurement of ways to build grit are needed.
- Openness to failure and learning from it is essential.
- Educators and researchers must be persistent in developing effective interventions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Grit — Passion and perseverance for long-term goals, involving sustained effort and stamina.
- Growth Mindset — The belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and effort; not fixed.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Explore and apply growth mindset concepts in educational or personal settings.
- Await and participate in further research on methods to build grit.
- Reflect on perseverance strategies for long-term goals.