🧭Grit Masterclass (Part 1)

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are your cruise captain, we guide you through the stormy seas of life making sure you get safely to your destination.

Here’s where we’re headed today:

Part 1 of our masterclass on Grit.

• Angela Duckworth on defining grit

• Why having grit matters for your life and health

• How to develop grit

• Angela Duckworth on the importance of grit

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Angela Duckworth on Defining Grit

"Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint."

- Angela Duckworth, author or Grit

Why Having Grit Matters

In her groundbreaking book, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Duckworth offers a profound exploration of a quality that transcends talent and intelligence—grit.

What is grit: Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina.

Why it matters: It is a mindset that you can grow and build over time that allows you to believe in the potential of tomorrow. It brings opportunities for growth because it allows you to better influence your circumstances and be resilient in times of adversity.

Grit is about harboring an unwavering passion for a specific goal and possessing the determination to confront and conquer any obstacles that stand in your way. This perspective flips the script on conventional wisdom, emphasizing the vital role of effort and practice in achieving greatness instead of talent. The equations that she defines is:

Skill = Talent x Effort

Achievement = Skill x Effort

Achievement = (Talent x Effort) x Effort

This formula underscores the undeniable importance of sustained, deliberate effort in the pursuit of success.

One of the most compelling takeaways from Duckworth's work is the notion that grit is a mindset—a relentless commitment to seeking solutions and improvements even when faced with adversity. When you believe that your efforts can influence your circumstances, you remain open to opportunities for growth and change. Conversely, if you convince yourself that change is impossible, you inadvertently shut the door on progress. Grit underscores the critical importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success.

• It challenges our preconceived notions about the role of talent and underscores the pivotal role of effort and practice.

• It encourages us to adopt a dual perspective, where our personal goals are intertwined with the greater good.

Ultimately, grit is not just a quality but a philosophy that empowers you to keep searching for ways to enhance your life and the lives of others, ensuring that the doors to progress remain wide open.

How to Develop More Grit

Below are 5 ways to develop more grit in your current pursuits in life. Think about each one and where you are on the grit scale.

1. Discover Your Interests: When you know what you are interested in then it makes doing the work easier.

• Take time to reflect where your mind goes and what you enjoy doing. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What do I like to think about?

  • Where does my mind naturally wander?

  • What do I genuinely care about?

  • What matters most to me?

  • How do I enjoy spending my time?

• Identify your passions: Recognize your genuine interests and passions because passions forms the foundation for grit.

2. Define Your Goals: When you know where you are headed and why then it makes getting there easier.

• Eliminate What Doesn't Matter: Start by decluttering your goals. Remove those that are not aligned with your true passions and values.

• Reflect on What Matters: Understand why certain goals matter to you. What drives your passion for these goals? Make sure they resonate with your core values.

• Set Stretch Goals: Aim high with your goals. Grit thrives in the face of challenging objectives. Set ambitious targets can inspire and motivate you.

3. Practice Deliberately: The key to grit and growth is being detailed and intentional about what you do and how you perform.

• Focus and Concentration: Cultivate the ability to concentrate deeply on your chosen activities. Minimize distractions to maximize productivity.

• Flow State: Understand the concept of flow, where you become completely absorbed in your work. Strive to achieve this state, as it enhances both skill development and enjoyment.

• Consistent Practice: Embrace the importance of deliberate practice. Regular, purposeful practice is essential for skill development and grit.

4. Create a Support System: In any journey there will be obstacles so create a support system for yourself when challenges arise.

• Update Your Beliefs: Challenge fixed beliefs about intelligence and talent. Embrace a growth mindset, understanding that abilities can be developed through effort.

• Practice Optimistic Self-Talk: Develop a positive inner dialogue. Replace self-doubt with encouragement and affirmations of your capabilities.

• Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance or guidance when faced with challenges. Support from mentors, coaches, or peers can be invaluable.

5. Reflect and Grow: Developing resilience and grit is a long-term journey so constantly look to reflect, get feedback, and improve.

• Take time to sit back and reflect.

• Develop a growth-mindset: This is the best way to develop grit in children. It is not about the end result, but constantly striving to grow and improve.

• Importance of Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your performance. Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement and growth.

Incorporating these steps into your life can help you develop the essential quality of grit. Remember that grit is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be nurtured and strengthened over time. Stay committed to your passions, embrace challenges, and persist in your pursuit of excellence.

Angela Duckworth on the Importance of Grit

Angela Duckworth talking about why grit is the strongest predictor for success.

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