Grit 1
(Monday)
Context:
School, work, and life will not always be easy. Already there have been times when you run into obstacles, problems, or difficulties reaching your goals or accomplishing a task. In order to keep on pushing, and keep on trying, you’ll need to develop something called grit.
What it is: One dictionary defines grit as courage and resolve; strength of character.
In Mindsage, we define grit as the possession and use of these four characteristics or traits: curiosity, determination, accountability, and adaptability.
Why it’s important: What sets the most successful people apart from your average person, is their ability to get things done. No matter what. This is true in the workplace and in life.
Many young people have the mindset that if they run into an obstacle or problem, there’s nothing they can do about it. They tried, but something made it difficult for them, so they quit. These young people have many excuses as to why something couldn’t be done, rather than finding solutions to find a way to complete a task or reach a goal.
Average employees have excuses. High-performing, successful people have solutions. They find solutions rather than give up because they’ve developed the four qualities that contribute to grit.
Primer Questions
How do you react when you run into an obstacle or problem in completing a given task or assignment? Do you give up? Or find solutions?
Do you find yourself often giving people excuses as to why you couldn’t do or complete a specific task or assignment?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal.
“
Grit is that 'extra something that separates the most successful people from the rest. It's the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel in order to stick with our dreams until they become a reality.
”
— Travis Bradberry
Life is a maze.
American author James Smith Dashner, known for speculative fiction, wrote a book called ‘Maze Runner’. A movie was made based on his book.
In the book and movie, the young people’s living or dying depends on their ability to keep learning in ever-changing circumstances.
While becoming an independent adult might not be as daunting as the situation in the book, there are qualities of the characters in the story that you should endeavor to develop.
Then watch the lesson video and answer the questions below, or discuss them with others.
If you want to see a clip from the movie, click here.
One reason you need to develop grit is that the world is constantly changing. In order to adjust and adapt, you will need to keep learning.
Life-long learning comes easy if you’ve developed grit.
Watch the video.
What are the four key ingredients to developing grit?
Are there subjects in school that you’re not naturally interested in?
Watch the video.
Why is curiosity so important?
The mind is like a muscle that becomes stronger through continual exercise. The mental exercise and effort caused by curiosity make your mind stronger and stronger. Being curious encourages your mind to be on the lookout for new ideas and possibilities. When you are curious about something, your mind expects and anticipates new ideas related to the subject.
Questions for reflection
Would you volunteer to be a maze runner? Why or why not?
What challenge or circumstance are you most worried about facing as you enter the workplace as an adult?
Why is it important to be a lifelong learner?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal, or discuss them with others.
When you look at the picture of the rock climber, do you think what he is doing is easy? If not, why would someone want to do something that is difficult? Do you enjoy challenges?
Metacognitive Goals
From now until Wednesday here is your assignment:
Identify a subject in school that you are NOT naturally curious or interested in. Write about how you can:
Develop curiosity in that subject.
Identify how that subject affects your life now.
Identify how that subject is or can be used in day-to-day life.
Identify how and why that subject can be useful to you personally.
Thought of the day.
Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.