10.11.2019

Core Principles: Grit

We understand that we’re different here at SCVi! Some terminology that we use has become second nature to those that have been part of the team for years, while some of you newly onboard may be shaking your heads wondering what we’re talking about. We hope to inform you weekly about our culture and terminology to help guide you through your time here at SCVi.  

This week: Grit

Angela Duckworth has done extensive research on grit. In her TED Talk, she says that grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. One way to think about grit is to consider what grit isn’t. Grit isn’t talent. Grit isn’t luck. Grit isn’t how intensely, for the moment, you want something. 

Instead, grit is about having what some researchers call an”ultimate concern”— a goal you care about so much that it organizes and gives meaning to almost everything you do. Grit is holding steadfast to that goal. Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow. Talent and luck matter to success. But talent and luck are no guarantee of grit.  

As the school year continues, we encourage you to talk about grit! Talk about setting goals and sticking to them! Talk about finishing what you’ve started, or starting what you need to finish!

SCVi, a free public charter school, is part of the iLEAD Schools is a network charter schools throughout California, the Midwest, Colorado, and Hawaii. iLEAD empowers learners to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world, and inspires them to become creative thinkers and leaders with a lifelong love of learning.