Grit Test
When something truly matters to me, I put in relentless effort to make it happen.
I consistently follow through on tasks and commitments I begin.
I feel like I've discovered what truly drives and excites me.
Fresh objectives frequently pull my attention away from current priorities.
I've been steadily pursuing identical objectives for extended periods.
My track record includes navigating significant challenges that threatened my aspirations.
People would describe me as someone who puts in serious effort.
Ambitious endeavors often get abandoned when my enthusiasm fades.
Achieving meaningful results requires sustained dedication, not quick fixes.
Important initiatives receive my undivided attention until they're fully finished.
Obstacles tend to shake my confidence and motivation quickly.
I approach responsibilities with thoroughness and reliability.
Abandoning something I'm determined to accomplish requires extreme circumstances.
My life feels guided by meaningful direction and intention.
When I become dedicated to a new target, I see it through completely.
I'm willing to do whatever necessary to succeed in my field of focus.
My productivity remains consistent and unwavering over long stretches.
Pursuing my ambitions continues even after facing disappointments.
Current work stays my priority even when intriguing alternatives emerge.
My attention rarely remains fixed on any single interest for long.
20 questions remaining
Things to Know
- Psychologist Angela Duckworth popularized the idea of grit as a personality trait in the early 2000s. She defines it as "perseverance and passion for long-term goals." The word has been around since at least the 1800s, though.
- Studies have shown that grit can be a good predictor of success in school, at work, and in other areas. For example, one study found that the "grittiest" kids were most likely to make it to the finals of the National Spelling Bee.
- Grit is not the same as intelligence or talent. Some studies have even found a small negative relationship between IQ and grit, which means that the "grittiest" students aren't always the smartest.
- Someone who isn't naturally "gritty" might be able to become more so. Putting effort ahead of results, accepting that failure is unavoidable, and being around hardworking, passionate people could help someone become grittier.
- There are people who don't like grit. Some researchers contend that "grit" is synonymous with conscientiousness, while others hypothesize that perseverance alone, rather than the conjunction of perseverance and passion, elucidates the correlation between grit and success.
- Don't just blame a lack of grit for not being successful. It's true that determination and passion are important, but if you focus too much on them, you might miss out on other important traits, like creativity, or downplay systemic barriers to success, like poverty.
Now is the time to make a change.
Accept failure: Letting yourself fail, even at something small or unimportant, can make you more determined to keep going when things go wrong in the future.
Try new things. You can always find something you love. You can follow your passion by taking classes, volunteering, and getting ideas from the people around you.
Think about getting help. Therapy or career counseling can help you set hard but doable goals and learn the skills you need to reach them.
