“I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I am the grittest!”
Why Grit Succeeds Intelligence
By Katie Claypool
Third Grade Elementary School Teacher
Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, famously said, "I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I am the grittiest!" This phrase has become our mantra in our third-grade classroom this year. Duckworth is renowned for her research on grit and self-discipline. But what exactly is grit? According to Duckworth, grit involves "passion and perseverance for long-term goals." Grit emphasizes sustained effort and interest over time to achieve long-term goals, rather than seeking immediate success or relying solely on talent. It's about maintaining dedication to a deeply valued goal despite obstacles, viewing life as a marathon rather than a sprint.
My goal as an educator is for students to grasp this concept: Success in learning and reaching your goals doesn't solely rely on intelligence. Instead, it requires strong determination and a readiness to put in significant effort. Research shows that grit is often considered more important than IQ for success because it drives sustained effort, resilience against setbacks, and consistent practice, turning potential into achievement. Smart people might give up, but gritty individuals persist in overcoming challenges and improving, making grit a stronger predictor of ultimate success. I want students at HBR to internalize this mindset so that after graduation, they embody pride and exemplify the values of diligence. Challenges are a constant in life. There will be moments when you face a challenge without the necessary skills, but you can work towards finding solutions. With enough passion and persistence, you can conquer any obstacle and achieve your goals!
In my passion for learning about the growth mindset, Dr. Daniel Amen, the author of Raising Mentally Strong Kids, has discovered through his research that adults should avoid calling kids "smart." This label can actually decrease their self-esteem when they encounter difficulties in learning. Instead, it's more beneficial to acknowledge their effort. Describing them as "smart" can lead to a fixed mindset, causing fear of challenges and mistakes, and leading them to shy away from tough tasks to maintain their self-image. They may also view setbacks as evidence of a lack of intelligence, which can impede learning and resilience. By applauding hard work, children learn that abilities can develop with effort, which encourages them to tackle challenges and learn from mistakes, promoting a growth mindset.
This is why I am passionate about teaching students about the human brain. Students discover that their brains adapt and grow when faced with challenges. Mental tasks, such as solving multiplication word problems or composing an animal research report, benefit them by strengthening their brains. The more they realize that challenges are beneficial, the more enthusiastic they become and are likely to persevere despite setbacks while addressing their obstacles. Students understand that failure is not permanent but a natural part of the learning process, which is one of the most crucial lessons I want them to carry forward in their educational journey.
Students sometimes believe they need to be inherently smart to achieve their goals, but intelligence isn't the key factor. Persistence—listening, trying repeatedly, and persevering through tasks—is what truly matters. We can foster resilience by teaching children that learning and skills are not fixed and that failure is part of life. It's not the opposite of success but an essential part of the journey, offering valuable lessons, building strength, and showing what doesn't work, ultimately leading to success.
What matters most when it comes to learning? Trying. Sustained effort. Don’t be the smartest person in the room. Be the grittiest. Be the most courageous. Be the most determined.
Wyatt Stewart- Showing grit during Word Study
