What are the keys to success? Oh there are so many. There are even many different definitions of success, aren’t there?
Grit, though, is the topic of of Amanda Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.
Grit includes self-control; purpose; perseverance: passion; deliberate practices; purpose; character; and the power of consistency. Talent itself is a tiny fraction of success. A cornerstone of success is passion, dedication, and effort. She points out the necessity of marching toward long-term goals. It is very important to love what you do. Talent helps, but really, Duckworth defines the 4 paragons of grit.
The 4 paragons include: resilience; a willingness to engage in deliberate practice; passion; and a sense of purpose toward achieving a top–level goal.
It is really important to be able to CLEARLY and SPECIFICALLY state/articulate in 10 words or less what everything they are doing is all about. Without that, they can easily be discouraged or quit when they have setbacks.
It is important to, through experience, learn to stiffen your spine and have a “chin first attitude”. That “don’t tell me I cannot achieve it. I will show you” attitude is an excellent example of grit. Helping others develop grit helps you develop it in yourself.
That reminds me of something my dad taught me. He told me if I was struggling with a concept or a skill, to teach it to someone else. I have definitely found it to be true.
Here is a caveat, though. Grit, consistent effort, perseverance, and the like play a huge role. However, other characteristics are important, too. These characteristics include: commonsense; ethics; kindness and compassion; optimism; empathy; and so many more virtues.
So as you consider grit, realize that each of us develop virtues at different rates and different points in our lives. The key, as always, is to keep climbing our mountains and help others to do the same.
Believe Anyway 