- Grit is a combination of passion and sustained perseverance toward long-term goals.
- Children can learn grit by facing and overcoming challenges with the right support, not by having obstacles removed for them.
- Praising effort and the process of learning, rather than focusing solely on outcomes, builds a growth mindset essential for perseverance.
- Setting a good example by showing your own resilience and determination is one of the most powerful teaching tools.
The Power of Sticking With It
Two qualities stand out as true indicators of long-term achievement: grit and perseverance:
- Grit is the passion and persistence to pursue a goal, even when faced with obstacles.
- Perseverance is the act of continuing to try despite difficulty or discouragement.
These qualities are not inherent but are skills that can be taught and developed from a young age.
This article provides a guide for educators and parents on how to help children build the resilience they need to succeed in school and in life.
What Research Says About Grit
Psychologist Angela Duckworth, a leading researcher on the topic, defines grit as a core predictor of success, often more so than talent or intelligence. She has found that high achievers are not just lucky or naturally gifted; they are those who can stay committed to a goal for a long time.
The good news is that grit can be cultivated. It requires a specific approach to challenges and a mindset that views failure as a learning opportunity, not a permanent roadblock.
Practical Strategies for Building Grit
Building grit and perseverance is a process that involves both words and actions. Here are some actionable strategies.
1. Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity
One of the biggest obstacles to grit is a fear of failure. Help children see that setbacks are a natural and necessary part of learning. When a child fails a test or doesn’t make the team, avoid framing it as a final outcome. Instead, ask questions like:
- “What did you learn from this experience?”
- “What could you do differently next time?”
- “What can you take away from this that will make you stronger?” This approach shifts the focus from the outcome to the process of growth.
2. Emphasize and Praise Effort
Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” or “You’re a natural at this,” praise the hard work and effort a child puts in. Use phrases like:
- “I can see how hard you worked on that.”
- “I am impressed by your determination.”
- “Your practice really paid off.” This kind of praise teaches children that their abilities can be developed through hard work, which is the foundation of a growth mindset. It reinforces that effort is what leads to success, not innate talent.
3. Encourage “Productive Struggle”
It can be tempting to jump in and solve a problem for a child to prevent frustration. However, this robs them of a chance to develop perseverance. Allow children to experience “productive struggle”—the challenging, but ultimately rewarding, process of working through a problem on their own. Provide guidance, but avoid giving the direct answer. Say, “What is one thing you could try?” or “Let’s break this big problem into smaller steps.”
4. Help Them Set Long-Term Goals
Grit is about having a long-term vision. Help children set goals that are challenging but achievable. This could be learning a new musical piece, mastering a skill in a sport, or completing a complex science project. Help them break the goal down into smaller, manageable steps. This process teaches them the value of sustained effort and gives them a clear path to follow.
5. Model Perseverance Yourself
Children learn by observing. Show them how you handle challenges in your own life. When you face a difficult task, talk about it out loud. Say something like, “This is really hard, but I’m going to keep trying until I figure it out.” Your actions provide a real-life example of what perseverance looks like.
The Long-Term Success of Self-Discipline
Building grit and perseverance requires a long-term commitment from both parents and educators. It is not something that happens overnight, but a habit that develops through consistent practice and a supportive environment.
The self-discipline required to stick with a goal, even when things get tough, is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess. It is the key to mastering subjects, overcoming setbacks, and achieving personal and professional goals. By teaching children to value effort over innate ability, we are giving them the ultimate tool for a successful and resilient life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is grit the same as being stubborn?
A: No. Stubbornness involves sticking to something despite evidence that it is not working. Grit involves being open to new strategies and learning from mistakes while staying committed to the long-term goal.
Q: Can a child be too gritty?
A: It is important to teach a balance. While perseverance is good, it is also important for a child to know when to ask for help or when to adjust a goal that is not working. The key is in teaching them to be resourceful, not just to work harder.
Q: Does praise for intelligence hurt children’s development?
A: Research suggests that praising intelligence can lead children to fear failure, as they may believe their intelligence is a fixed trait. Praising effort, on the other hand, encourages a growth mindset and a willingness to take on new challenges.
Q: How can I build grit in a child who gives up easily?
A: Start small. Help them choose a very small, simple goal and guide them through completing it. Celebrate the accomplishment to build confidence, and then gradually increase the difficulty of the next goal.
