Got Grit? Part I: A perspective on passion.
I’m reading the book Grit by Angela Duckworth. I find this topic interesting. What does grit mean to you? Before reading the book, the notion of grit conjured words like resilience, gravitas and tenacity. According to Angela Duckworth, these are all correct and it turns out that grit is more than just stick-to-it-ness. This week, let’s explore grit and how you can foster it. The first aspect of grit is passion.
What is Grit?
Grit, according to Angela Duckworth’s research, is where passion and perseverance meet.
People who score high on the grit scale, (the test can be found here: Grit Scale ) have both determination and direction. They have a deep knowing of what it is that they want and where they are going. Frequently, they have the tendency keep going after setbacks and failure. Gritty, hard working, people are constantly driven to improve. As a result, they are the opposite of complacent. And, they sincerely enjoy the process. The chase is as gratifying as winning or succeeding. Grit-sters, along with perseverance, have a passion that is enduring. Passion that stands the test of time.
Part I: How you can foster Grit through Passion ?
Grit is fostered in three ways: Passion, Practice and Purpose.
We’ll discuss passion, first. Do something you love. People are more satisfied and engaged with their work when they enjoy what they are doing. Especially, when their work aligns with their personal interests. And, in my opinion, their values. It’s not surprising to learn, people perform better when they enjoy what they doing. Interestingly, research shows that the majority of us don’t enjoy our work. I often wonder why? Could it be that most don’t have or know what their passion is? Could it be the work doesn’t align to our interests and values?
According to Duckworth, passion needs to be fostered. When it’s discovered it is not a cinematic moment. It’s not like a grand epiphany. It’s often an accumulation of experiences over years of exploring various interests. This exploration is balanced with realistic expectations and an awareness of one’s own happiness and fulfillment. It’s a little bit discovery, followed by a lot development with a lifetime of deepening expertise.
Finding your passion or primary interests can be fostered by asking some key questions:
- What do I like to think about?
- Where does my mind wander?
- What do I really care about?
- What matters most to me?
- How do I enjoy spending my time?
- And conversely, what do I find absolutely unbearable?
If you have difficulty answering these questions, Duckworth advises that you harken back to your teenage years, when vocational interests typically grow.
Begin with the answers you are surest of. Don’t be afraid to guess. There is trial and error with this process. It’s important to PLAY! And, if the realization is you want and need to make a career change. Don’t be afraid to erase your top level career goal and re-write it. A coach can be a valuable partner in this process.
I hope you found this Part I discussion on passion and grit helpful. Working with a coach can help build new skills and new strategies, including grit. It undoubtedly is an investment in yourself and aren’t you worth it?
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As adults we spend the bulk of our waking hours ‘at work’. We only have a finite amount of time on this planet, and you can choose how to spend that time. I wish you much success on your career quest. Yours in balance, learning, growth and harmony. – Melissa DeLuca, CEO
