Grit…Perseverance…Tenacity…Determination…Stick-to-itiveness!
Good article in the Boston Globe discusses how new scientific techniques are being developed to measure “grit” in individuals. One of the initial findings of the studies is that grit can be a better marker of future success than standard measures of intelligence, e.g. IQ.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/08/02/the_truth_about_grit?mode=PF
One of the academic pioneers in the study of Grit is Angela Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania. She says, “I first got interested in the study of grit after watching how my friends fared after college (Harvard). Those who were less successful were often just as smart and talented, but were constantly changing plans and trying something new. They never stuck with anything long enough to get really good at it.”
By the way, if you are so inclined, you should take Dr. Duckworth’s Grit Study…an assessment tool that evaluates where one falls on the grit spectrum.
http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~duckwort/images/17-item%20Grit%20and%20Ambition.040709.pdf
One of the interesting, and obvious, questions is…can “grit” be learned? Dr. Duckworth seems to think it can be. She refers to individuals having “fixed” and “growth” mindsets. Growth mindsets consider the possibilities, while fixed mindsets consider the limitations.
Not surprisingly, Dr. Duckworth’s observations parallel much of what we see at ClientWise within our coaching engagements. Those advisors who pursue their goals with focus and intention, and are able to open themselves to a bigger vision…are bound for success. In the words of William Feather, “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.”
By Chris Holman
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