Why I wrote this article:
Throughout my career, I have found that it is not always the person with the highest IQ who enjoys the most career success. Over the years, I have worked with and mentored people with genius-level IQs. While many went on to achieve great things in their careers, some didn’t reach their full potential. At the same time, I worked with many people with a higher level of “I WILL” than their “IQ.” More often than not, those with an average IQ level who also had a sense of passion, perseverance, and grit went on to become even more successful.
What is grit, and why is it important?
Grit is a combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It means having the courage to work hard and stay focused, even when things get tough, or you want to give up. It’s the determination to keep going, learn from failure, and never give up on your dreams. Grit is essential because it enables individuals to pursue their goals with sustained effort and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. People with grit tend to have better academic and career outcomes, as well as greater well-being and life satisfaction. Grit also allows individuals to bounce back from failure, overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations despite adversity. It’s a crucial trait for success in life, as it’s not just about being talented or smart but also about having the mental toughness and resilience to keep going despite challenges and setbacks.
Why is grit important in a teen?
Grit is important in teenagers because it can help them develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed in the long term. Grit can help teenagers persevere through challenges and setbacks, learn from failure, and stay focused on their goals. It can also help them develop a growth mindset, which enables them to be more resilient and adaptable to change. Additionally, grit can help them be self-motivated, take ownership of their goals, and develop a sense of purpose and direction. These skills and a growth mindset are crucial for a teenager as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of adolescence and prepare for their future. With grit, teens can handle stress, make better decisions, and be more successful in school, work, and life.
What are 25 things parents can do to help instill grit in their teens?
- Encourage your teenager to set long-term goals and work towards them.
- Teach your teenager to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
- Help your teenager learn from failure and mistakes.
- Provide opportunities for your teenager to take on leadership roles.
- Encourage your teenager to pursue their passions.
- Help your teenager learn to manage their time and prioritize tasks.
- Teach your teenager to be resilient and bounce back from disappointment.
- Encourage your teenager to take on new and difficult challenges.
- Help your teenager develop a growth mindset.
- Encourage your teenager to take risks and try new things.
- Help your teenager learn to focus and concentrate.
- Encourage your teenager to be persistent and persistent in their efforts.
- Help your teenager learn to work through frustration and disappointment.
- Encourage your teenager to be self-motivated and take ownership of their goals.
- Help your teenager learn to set and achieve realistic goals.
- Encourage your teenager to be confident and self-reliant.
- Help your teenager learn to be adaptable and flexible.
- Encourage your teenager to develop a sense of purpose and direction.
- Help your teenager learn to be accountable for their actions and decisions.
- Encourage your teenager to develop a positive attitude and outlook.
- Help your teenager learn to be self-disciplined and manage their impulses.
- Encourage your teenager to be independent and take initiative.
- Help your teenager learn to be persistent and never give up.
- Encourage your teenager to develop a strong work ethic.
- Help your teenager learn to be goal-oriented and focused on achieving their goals.
Conclusion:
As a parent, you have the opportunity to encourage your teen to learn these life skills. With a better understanding of these skills, your teen will more effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of adolescence and better prepare for college and beyond. With grit, teens can handle stress, make better decisions, and be more successful in school, work, and life.
