top of page
Green leaves on green
Search

This test will guarantee your child’s success - developing grit- book review recommendation Angela Duckworth


What do you think is the most important factor for kids to develop into successful adults?


Some of you might be thinking it’s educational support, parental supervision, wealth, access to the best resources, talent, or something else entirely.



If so, your answer might be wrong.


I recently read a mind-blowing book about a psychologist who dedicated her entire life to proving her father wrong. He always told her, “You’re never going to be a genius; you’re never going to be smart.” She proved him wrong by achieving the highest levels of education—her numerous degrees in psychology helped her determine what makes people the most successful.


See the book “Grit” by Angela Duck worth here: https://amzn.to/43IYFFh



She studied West Point graduates, Army Ranger graduates, people in sales, and employees of Fortune 500 companies to develop a success scale.



Before these individuals entered major competitions or tests, she would administer a specific assessment.


After these individuals participated in their competitions—be it a spelling bee, boot camp, or whatever—she tracked their progress over time, observing who managed to stick with it until the end based on her findings.


She developed a test called the Grit Scale, (see it here: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9H6iT93yv4rozeB )


which essentially measures the ability to persevere through challenges, regardless of how hard, boring, or unfun the task may be.


If your kids learn to persist in the face of adversity and put in the effort, they will be successful in life.


You may have seen her on TED Talks or read her books; she’s well-known for her research on grit.



(See here talk here:)



As an educator and homeschooler, I’m always looking for ways to help my kids succeed.


I want to discover research-based strategies to teach my kids and improve my parenting skills.


One thing she said really resonated with me.


I was never in gifted and talented classes; I was just an average student.


Even now, I find everything challenging—like starting a business.


I’m a self-taught photographer and media specialist who has worked hard for the last 14 years, learning through YouTube and taking classes, yet I still haven’t reached my ultimate goals. (See my work here: www.virginiamarketingandmedia.com or www.virginiaphotosandfilms.com



But I’m committed to sticking with it. I’m passionate about creating, and that drives me to put in the effort.



My husband, on the other hand, became a contractor (www.757homesolutions.com)

after learning from YouTube.


Within a month, he was working full-time. His story contrasts with mine: he was always first chair in band, made straight A’s without studying, while I was up late in the library until midnight, often walking home at 1 a.m.


I faced numerous obstacles, including not having a computer in college. He was playing video games and excelling academically, earning three master's degrees while I struggled for just one.


Throughout my life, I’ve learned that while I might not be the most talented, I can outwork anyone.


I may not be the most sought-after, but I show up. I may not have the best resources, but the grit and work ethic I possess allow me to outwork, outrun, outplay, outthink, and outcreate anyone.


This mindset has been something I’ve had to cultivate since a young age.


Even when applying to colleges, I received eight rejection letters.


I couldn’t get into my desired program, music education, because my skills weren’t deemed good enough.


I ended up in my last-choice school and career path, but I persevered.


I’ve worked hard to instill this resilience in my kids through chores, responsibilities, and hands-on experiences on job sites, demonstrating work ethic in action.


I highly recommend that every parent read the book I mentioned.



It will help you prioritize what’s truly important: Is it getting good grades? Getting your kids into Harvard? Helping them become lawyers, doctors, or nurses? Or is it about developing grit?


I encourage you to share any comments or questions below about homeschooling in Virginia. I’ve been doing it for 14 years, and you can find me at www.thefunschoolers.com for my podcasts and more.





😎Welcome to our homeschool page!


💪Christal is a former teacher with a M.Ed and loves sharing her tips and adventures after 10+ years of homeschooling


✅Want to know how to homeschool in VA?


💡We would love for you to hop on website www.thefunschoolers.com for more info and free resources!


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page