For those who have graduated from high school or college five years ago with a 2.1 GPA, how many times do you think were they asked what their GPA was? Maybe they might get that question asked during a job interview, but probably not. It doesn’t matter how well a person does in their coursework. As long as they have the minimum 2.0, they got the degree. If they have a 4.0, they graduate. If they have a 2.0, they graduate. It’s the same degree.
Of course, everyone wants to try to do their best. And yes, people feel when they fail. But for those who succeed, the most important point is that they stuck with it, even when it was tough. They had grit.
Angela Duckworth in her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, states that the one characteristic that emerges as a significant predictor of success isn’t social intelligence, good looks, physical health, or IQ. It is grit.
The definition of grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, not just for a week or month but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
So, please remember, if you’re in school right now, and if you’re already not doing so well, DO NOT give up. Stick with it. According to Duckworth, grittier students are significantly more likely to graduate. The ability to learn is not fixed, and it can change with your effort.
Failure is not a permanent condition.
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