Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of "Grit," explores the attributes of gritty individuals and how to foster resilience in children. She discusses the balance between passion and perseverance in achieving long-term success. The conversation touches on the importance of supportive environments and collaboration, countering the myth of the 'self-made' individual. Additionally, Duckworth delves into the complexities of grit, including its relation to gender and burnout, emphasizing the need for nurturing genuine interests for lasting achievement.
Grit and self-control are distinct traits that together play a crucial role in predicting long-term achievement and success.
Creating the right environments that challenge individuals while providing support is essential for cultivating resilience and perseverance.
Strong support systems, including mentors and coaches, significantly enhance an individual's ability to confront challenges and develop grit.
Deep dives
Understanding Grit and Self-Control
Grit and self-control are essential psychological traits that predict achievement and are closely related but distinct. Grit involves maintaining effort toward long-term goals, while self-control focuses on day-to-day decisions and resisting immediate temptations. For instance, someone with grit will remain committed to a challenging career path even over decades, while a person exercising self-control may prioritize completing tasks that contribute to daily responsibilities, like filing taxes or maintaining a routine. Both traits are crucial in shaping an individual's success, highlighting the need for environments that foster these qualities.
The Role of Environment in Developing Grit
Creating the right environments is fundamental to developing grit and fostering resilience. Special forces, like the Green Berets, exemplify environments that cultivate grit through rigorous training and challenges that exceed individual capabilities. Conversely, environments that promote entitlement and ease can hinder the development of grit, perpetuating a mindset that success should not require significant effort. Thus, nurturing environments that challenge individuals while providing supportive structures can significantly enhance one’s perseverance and passion.
The Importance of Support Systems
Support systems play a crucial role in fostering grit, complementing the challenges individuals face. Those who experience support alongside adversity often develop a stronger internal voice that motivates them to persevere. This dynamic is essential, as successful individuals frequently credit the people around them—teachers, coaches, and mentors—who encouraged them during tough times. Therefore, cultivating strong support networks can empower individuals to confront challenges and emerge more resilient.
Raising Gritty Children
Instilling a sense of grit in children requires a focus on both support and challenge. Children benefit from having surrogate mentors outside of their parents, such as coaches or teachers, who can offer guidance and encouragement. Additionally, parents should observe and nurture their children's interests, emphasizing the identification of passions rather than merely innate talents. This approach helps children cultivate a deeper commitment to their pursuits and fosters the development of grit over time.
Recognizing and Mitigating Burnout
Burnout is a significant risk, particularly for gritty individuals who often push themselves to the limits in pursuit of their goals. Despite the strong correlation between grit and reduced burnout rates, those with high levels of grit can be more susceptible to burnout due to their relentless work ethic and high standards. To combat this, it is essential for individuals to seek outside help when facing overwhelming challenges rather than relying solely on self-discipline. Acknowledging the importance of the environment, including finding support systems, can prove vital in preventing burnout and sustaining grit.
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist, the co-founder of Character Lab, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the New York Times bestseller, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” joins Scott to discuss the attributes of gritty people, how to create environments for success, and ways to raise resilient kids.