An overview of developing Grit from Angela Duckworth


In a linked post, I wrote about strengthening will. 

Indomitable Will is one of two parts that make up Level 5 Leadership as described by Jim Collins (author of Good to Great), with the other part being Humility.

Will could also be described as Grit.  Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania  and an ex-teacher of Math and Science, pioneered research on Grit.

This post briefly outlines what she suggests could develop and strengthen Grit.

Develop Grit from the Inside Out

Identify and pursue your interests and passions

Go after the interests and passions that energise you.  Give yourself permission to pursue these.  This makes things easier.

However, this can’t and won’t always be the case… so find something that is enjoyable and consistent with your passions.  For example, you may not like a task, but you may value that the task requires you to focus on detail and quality.  Let that underlying passion drive your efforts.

Connect your work and tasks to something bigger than you

This could be a higher purpose or a significant long-term goal.  Keep your eye on the bigger picture.

Linking your efforts to a larger purpose or goal helps to motivate your continued effort.  It also enlivens your senses and your energy which fuels action.

Develop a daily habit of practice

This is ‘deliberate practice’ as mentioned in the linked article, where challenge exceeds skill.  It requires self-discipline and focus.

The more you exercise your Will, the more it will strengthen.

Learn to hope when all seems lost

The value of realistic optimism cannot be overstated.  The pursuit of significant long-term goals will include highs and lows.  When all seems lost, acknowledge how you feel then consciously choose a different response.

Exercise your “free won’t” and don’t give in to the over-riding negative feelings.

Develop Grit from the Outside In

Commit to something that involves others

When others encourage our perseverance, or when we feel accountable to others and don’t want to let them down – family, friends, work colleagues – we are more likely to persist with our actions.

In addition, actually committing to something (vs just ‘trying it out’) also contributes significantly to our ability to persevere.

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