Grit

Hello Trailblazers,

Are you one of the many students struggling with focus and motivation while trying to take on remote learning? Are you saying things to yourself like “I’m too tired for school, I don’t feel like going, it’s too hard, or I forgot to do my homework again.” Some of these feelings are also being felt by your parents and teachers. These kinds of feelings can be valid during a difficult time like this. However, continued missed schoolwork and chronic school absence can contribute to poor grades, stressors in relationships with teachers and parents, lack of direction in life, and a lack of grit in adulthood.

Grit is an essential trait to be successful and self-sufficient in your adulthood. It can be defined as one’s ability to show courage, strength and perseverance through obstacles in life in pursuit of a long-term goal. For example, showing up to every class and turning in all your assignments despite distractions because you know you will have more opportunities in the future if you work hard now. As we navigate remote learning, addressing your motivation and perseverance will help you have more grit and better coping skills when faced with bigger challenges in life as you grow up.

A study conducted with college students measuring grit, IQ, test scores, grades, and other talents found Grit to be the best predictor of success. It is also a major predicator in achieving goals. Do you have high school and beyond plans? A dream career, or hobby that requires planning and follow through? Exercising your grit capabilities can create a stronger likelihood of you achieving those goals.

Complete the maze below to test your grit!

Complete the maze below and think about the following questions:

• How many times did you fail?

• How long did it take you to complete the maze?

• How close did you come to giving up?

• Was it rewarding to complete the maze and reach the end goal?

• What other difficult tasks in your life feel challenging but the reward is worth it in the end?