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Students learn the value of staying committed to a goal even when they encounter obstacles or failure.
Imagine you are building the world's tallest LEGO tower. Just as you place the final brick, the whole thing crashes to the floor! Do you walk away in anger, or do you take a deep breath and start building a stronger base?
Perseverance is the act of continuing to do something even when it is difficult or takes a long time. Think of it as the 'engine' inside you that keeps you moving forward when you hit a bump in the road. Many people think success comes from being 'naturally smart,' but research shows that grit—a mix of passion and persistence—is often more important. When you persevere, you aren't just working hard; you are showing that your goal is more important than your frustration. It is the difference between saying 'I can't do this' and 'I can't do this yet.'
1. You try to ride a two-wheeled bike for the first time and fall over immediately. 2. You feel embarrassed and your knee hurts. 3. Instead of putting the bike away, you remember that your brain is learning new balance skill every time you wobble. 4. You get back on and try again more times until you can pedal for three seconds.
Quick Check
In your own words, what is the main difference between someone who has grit and someone who gives up easily?
Answer
A person with grit stays committed to their goal and keeps trying even when they face obstacles or failure.
Your brain is like a muscle; it gets stronger the more you use it! This is called a growth mindset. When you face a hard math problem or a tough piano piece, your brain is actually growing new connections. Instead of using 'fixed mindset' phrases like 'I'm not good at this,' you can use 'growth mindset' phrases. By adding the word 'yet' to the end of a sentence, you open up a door for future success. For example, changing 'I don't know the answer' to 'I don't know the answer yet' changes how your brain solves problems.
1. You are staring at a long division problem: . 2. You feel stuck and want to close your book. 3. You stop and say: 'This is hard, but that means my brain is growing.' 4. You break the problem into smaller steps: First, how many s go into ? Then you find the remainder and keep going.
Quick Check
Which word can you add to the end of 'I can't do this' to turn it into a growth mindset statement?
Answer
The word is 'yet.'
One of the greatest examples of grit in history is Thomas Edison. He wanted to invent a lightbulb that everyone could use. To find the right material for the wire inside, he tried and failed over times! Some people say he failed times. When a reporter asked him how it felt to fail so much, Edison famously said, 'I have not failed. I've just found ways that won't work.' He didn't see mistakes as dead ends; he saw them as data that helped him get closer to the solution.
1. You are building a volcano for the science fair, but the 'lava' won't bubble. 2. You try different recipes, but none of them work. 3. You look at your notes like Thomas Edison and realize you need a different ratio of vinegar to baking soda. 4. You decide to spend your Saturday morning testing more combinations until you find the perfect eruption.
What does Thomas Edison's story teach us about failure?
Which of these is a 'growth mindset' phrase?
Grit is the combination of passion and persistence over a long period of time.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the name of the inventor who failed times and the special 3-letter word that changes your mindset.
Practice Activity
Pick one thing you find difficult right now (like a sport, a game, or a school subject). Write down: 'I am not a master at this YET, but I will [action step] to get better.'