“All talent and no grit isn’t going to get you there.” – LA Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly
“Grit” might sound like a very old-school quality to be described as a 21st century survival essential. However, whether a person is a technology whiz, an elite athlete, or a gifted artist, the realization of those talents starts with an inner drive: grit, tenacity, and perseverance.
For millions of ordinary Americans, simply living up to their potential and succeeding in the modern workplace requires not only basic job skills, but grit as well. The job market is highly competitive, and constantly changing the rules of success. Economically, the gap between winners and losers is becoming more sharply defined. It is an environment that calls for resourcefulness and perseverance – in short, it is an environment that calls for grit.
The Department of Education is recognizing the importance of grit by calling for educational programs that will help students of all ages develop this key characteristic. Academic studies have identified grit as a success factor in contexts as diverse as the National Spelling Bee, West Point, and the Ivy League.
While formal programs to develop grit are still in the early stages of discussion and design, there are things you can do every day to cultivate your inner grit. The infographic that follows looks at some of the reasons it is important to add grit to your 21st century survival skills, and some of the things you can do to develop grit.
Please see a full list of sources at the bottom of the infographic.
