No grit, no pearl.
~~~~~~~~~~~ Anonymous
We can probably all come up with a decent working definition of "grit." Passion, perseverance, determination, tenacity---some form of self-discipline that drives us forward, despite obstacles in our path. Do we come into the world wired with these qualities, or can they be learned? A few years ago, a researcher at the U. of Pennsylvania, by the name of Angela Duckworth, attempted to measure the role that grit played in predicting which cadets at West Point would successfully complete the grueling summer training course known as the "Beast Barracks." Over time, more than 11,000 cadets were involved in the research, and Duckworth's "grit test" was amazingly accurate. Her research has not been quite so successful across other populations, but the good news for us mere mortals is that grit can be developed, much like a muscle group, whether or not we think we were born with it. It starts with awareness, recognizing which traits we have that could use some exercise. You can find samples of the test on-line if you're curious.
We aren't at West Point, but everyday life can be our very own Beast Barracks. Those who are in recovery are in endless combat against a real enemy, and must have the grit to succeed every day. Failure cannot be an option. The same is true for life in general. Thank God we have Help. In his first letter to his young protege Timothy, Paul tells him (and us) that determination is a spiritual exercise, and cautions us to be wary of the trap that causes us to "plunge into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6: 9-11.
Let us thank Him for Grace, as we work on our Grit.
Friday's richest blessings to you all.
NT
Ps 37: 23-24; Phil 1: 3-6
~~~~~~~~~~~ Anonymous
We can probably all come up with a decent working definition of "grit." Passion, perseverance, determination, tenacity---some form of self-discipline that drives us forward, despite obstacles in our path. Do we come into the world wired with these qualities, or can they be learned? A few years ago, a researcher at the U. of Pennsylvania, by the name of Angela Duckworth, attempted to measure the role that grit played in predicting which cadets at West Point would successfully complete the grueling summer training course known as the "Beast Barracks." Over time, more than 11,000 cadets were involved in the research, and Duckworth's "grit test" was amazingly accurate. Her research has not been quite so successful across other populations, but the good news for us mere mortals is that grit can be developed, much like a muscle group, whether or not we think we were born with it. It starts with awareness, recognizing which traits we have that could use some exercise. You can find samples of the test on-line if you're curious.
We aren't at West Point, but everyday life can be our very own Beast Barracks. Those who are in recovery are in endless combat against a real enemy, and must have the grit to succeed every day. Failure cannot be an option. The same is true for life in general. Thank God we have Help. In his first letter to his young protege Timothy, Paul tells him (and us) that determination is a spiritual exercise, and cautions us to be wary of the trap that causes us to "plunge into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6: 9-11.
Let us thank Him for Grace, as we work on our Grit.
Friday's richest blessings to you all.
NT
Ps 37: 23-24; Phil 1: 3-6
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