1. What is Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit?
Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit is passion and perseverance for a long-term goal. It is
steadfastly holding onto the target even if screw-ups happen, or the way to the goal is arduously
long and halting. Some researchers also call grit as the “ultimate concern.” The idea here is that
grit organizes a person’s life, so much so that everything an individual does has meaning to it.
However, Duckworth states that grit isn’t talent nor luck. Short-term goals do not automatically
mean that there is grit put into it as well.
2. Following her definition, how can we observe “grit”? What are the qualities, characteristics
(attitudes, thoughts, feelings), and behaviors of a "gritty" person?
There are two main components following Duckworth’s definition of grit: the passion and
perseverance of the individual. An individual is “gritty” if he is passionate, which means that once
they set their mind upon a long-term goal, they are expected to follow through it steadfastly.
Passion, in this case, does not mean the intensity of enthusiasm upon a task. Instead, it is an
unrelenting devotion to their work. In this case, “gritty” individuals never give up on a job, even if
exciting, unrelated projects come in their way. They stay in love with what they do that they are
so involved in it. Perseverance, meanwhile, is doing these tasks that, no matter how difficult, they
will pursue to achieve their long-term goals. “Gritty” people persevere by developing their skills
in their chosen field of work for years on end. Setbacks are something to get out of the way, not
as the cause of giving up. The skills they have developed will then be applied once they finally
reached their long-term goal.
3. Carefully study the items of the grit scale one by one. What observable behaviors are the items
trying to measure?
The observable behaviors the items are trying to measure are task-oriented, meaning this
encompasses an individual’s behavior when faced with a job to do. In the grit scale, the questions
revolve around measuring passionate and persevering behavior. In the case of passionate
behavior, I observed that the grit scale asked questions relating to how devoted or focused they
are regarding old and new projects. Under the perseverance behavior, the grit scale also tries to
measure if diligence and hard work is present when it comes to their work, or the stamina to
pursue only one type of interest, and so on.
4. Given your score, are you more (or less) likely to be considered "gritty"?
I think I’m likely to be gritty, but not extremely gritty. According to my result, my overall score for
my grit is 3.50. For me to understand the effect, I consulted the book and separated my passion
and perseverance scores and interpreted them according to Duckworth’s calculation instructions.
I noticed that my perseverance scored higher than my passion. Therefore, I think in this sense, I
wasn’t fiercely gritty, but I do have the persistence – the tenacity to do work so to speak – to fuel
it.
5. What qualities, features, or behaviors of a "gritty" person do you have?
The qualities, features, or behaviors of a “gritty” person that I have are: I am a very persevering
person. I take setbacks as a challenge to overcome rather than let it drag or discourage me, and
I’ve also been able to finish up some very huge work because of this. I am a hard worker, diligent
when it comes to finishing a task, and I only pursue one type of interest each year.
6. What qualities, features, or behaviors of a "gritty" person do you NOT have?
The qualities, features, or behaviors of a “gritty” person that I don’t have are: I am not passionate
enough and will sometimes change my goals and pursue a new one. The prospect of new projects
always appeals to me, and I would often postpone work just to attend to newer tasks that
stimulate me better. Because of this, the goals that I usually plan out aren’t achieved or will be
finished on a later date.
Reference:
Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. New York City: Scribner
