Grit isn’t the end-all, be-all for what makes success. But what you can learn from it is that tough situations can have a silver lining—they make for stronger women and stronger kids.
Two “gritty” characteristics
Courageous.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. You will fail sometimes, but it’s not the end of the world. Start thinking about going back to school, or going out there and finding mommy & baby classes. And don’t forget about your long-term dreams—where do you want to be in 10 years?
Achievement-oriented.
There’s a balance here—being achievement-oriented at the expense of others around you isn’t what we’re trying to present—but people who strive to get the gold are more likely to get the gold. Don’t settle for less than your best, because you can and should do your best (in school, work, etc). Reward yourself when you achieve a goal. But don’t ever stop aiming for more.
The “Grit” craze: what’s important & why your kid can have it
“No single mom wants to fail [her kids]—but it is in our minds that we might. So we struggle, and over the long term, we impart to our children that struggle can be good. This is something they know intimately.”
-Pamela Gwyn Kripke, mom of 2
What’s “grit,” and what can we learn from it?
Grit is the strength that comes from keeping your chin up when everyone tells you that you can’t do it. It’s the perseverance that comes from going to community college, keeping a part-time evening job as a waitress, and raising your two-year-old. Struggling is hard. But it’s good, too—because when we pick ourselves up after we fall, the next time we fall we’ll know how to pick ourselves up again.
So, what’s the big deal?
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied grit intensely and found that it’s the most significant predictor of success in kids (along with other elements). She talks about it in her viral TED Talk.
Your kids will learn how to be gritty if you are gritty. And you are—you’re a role model for how to make ends meet, how to finish school, and basically be a badass while raising your child. So, tell them about it (when they’re ready): you can show them how you’re studying for exams while cooking, or how to be conscientious about money.
