Day 17 The Science of Grit: Unlocking Perseverance and Long-Term Goals to Flourish

The science of grit focuses on understanding the psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to perseverance and passion in pursuing long-term goals. Grit, popularised by an award winning psychologist Angela Duckworth, is considered a key predictor of success in various domains. It’s not about jumping to one object to the next but having a consistent focus on what really matters. 

What is Grit?

Grit is the combination of passion (consistent interest over time) and perseverance (sustained effort despite setbacks) toward achieving long-term goals.

• Consistency of Interest: A focus on long-term objectives without frequently switching goals.

• Persistence of Effort: Continuing to work hard even in the face of challenges or setbacks. 

Psychological Basis of Grit

• Motivation and Goal Setting:

  • People with grit often have a deep connection to their goals, which fuels intrinsic motivation.

  • They tend to set specific, meaningful, and challenging goals that align with their core values.

• Growth Mindset:

  • A belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort (growth mindset) is closely linked to grit. Those with this mindset view challenges as opportunities for improvement. There is no such thing as “failing”. 

Self-Control and Emotional Regulation:

• Gritty individuals are better at delaying gratification and managing negative emotions, enabling them to stay focused on their objectives over time.

Social and Environmental Influences on Grit

• Supportive Environments:

  • Environments that encourage autonomy, mastery, and purpose foster grit. Supportive mentors, peers, and communities can provide motivation and resources for sustained effort and encourage perseverance.

• Cultural Values:

  • Societies that emphasise perseverance, hard work, and long-term thinking often nurture grit in individuals.

• Role Models:

  • Observing “gritty behavior” in role models can reinforce similar traits in others.

Please share your answers to the following: 

How can you intentionally build grit over the next month?

What’s one thing you can commit to doing this week to strengthen your perseverance?Looking back on your experiences, what evidence do you see that you already have grit?