An
article I recently read by Christine Carter, reminded me how important it is
for us to model and teach that ‘hard work’ is at the core of becoming
successful in this world. In this high tech society, built around immediate
gratification and the desire for instant results, the concept of good work ethic
is essential in a child’s life.
Researchers tell us that the vast
majority of achievements do not spring from innate talent, as much as they
emerge from hard work and passion. Angela Duckworth, celebrated psychologist,
defines ‘grit’ as perseverance and
passion for long-term goals. She sees achievement as the product of skill
and effort, instead of a byproduct of IQ or innate talent.
Carter shares three things that
people who rise to greatness tend to have in common:
1. They both practice and
rest deliberately over time.
2. Their practice is
fueled by passion and intrinsic interest.
3. They wrestle adversity
into success.
These things are the very essence of grit. Deliberate
practice and persistence over time
are
essential facets of grit. We need to teach our youth that to be really good at
something requires a willingness to engage in hard or, quite often, very boring
practice. Real grit gives us the ability to practice the ‘right’ thing rather
than to just practice what is fun.
True masters gain experience over
the long haul. Malcolm Gladwell states, “most successful people average ten
years of practice and experience before becoming truly accomplished”.
People who go to the top of their fields don’t just
practice deliberately and persistently; they also rest strategically. This is a
key component for our students to become successful adults, and one that we
often overlook in our current 24/7, hooked up, go-go-go culture.
These traits need to be consistently modeled and taught by the significant adults in the lives
of our children, as well as expected from all our students.
This younger, digital generation must accept the fact
that too often, the easy way does not pave the way to success. Focused hard
work, persistent practice, and a fair amount of failure are all essential
components inherent in the lives of truly successful people. The old saying
that nothing good comes easy is true
today, more than ever!
PASSION +
ADVERSITY = SUCCESS!
-Dr. Paula Sissel
Superintendent/Elementary Principal