"Grit" (And Why It Matters for Us)

What Basketball Taught Me About "Grit" (And Why It Matters for Us)

I recently came across a concept that changed the way I look at my training on the court and my studies at school. It’s called "Grit."

Coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, Grit is defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Basically, it means that talent is great, but it’s not the whole story. What actually leads to success is how long you can stay committed to a goal, especially when things get tough.

As a student-athlete, this really hit home. Whether it's practicing my free throws after a long day or staying up to finish a complex Finance module, I’ve realized that being "smart" or "athletic" is just the starting line. The real race is won by Grit.

Here are 3 things I’ve learned about Grit that I think we can all use:

1. Effort Counts TwiceDuckworth has a famous formula:

Talent × Effort = Skill Skill × Effort = Achievement Notice how Effort is in there twice? This was a huge "aha!" moment for me. It means if we aren't the best at a subject (like a difficult math topic or a new language) right now, we can outwork the gap. Our effort is what turns our potential into actual results.

2. The "Hard Thing" RuleTo build my "Grit muscle," I try to follow the "Hard Thing Rule." This means committing to one challenging activity and not quitting in the middle of a "bad day." For me, it was taking on an advanced Research Project while managing a heavy basketball season. There were days I wanted to stop, but Grit is about finishing what you started.

3. Deliberate Practice (Not Just Busy Work)Grit isn't just about working hard; it’s about working smart. In basketball, if I just shoot random hoops, I don't get better. I need to focus on my weak spots. Same goes for studying. Don't just read the notes you already know; tackle the hardest problem in the book first. That’s where the growth is.

Sharing the Journey: I’m curious—what is the "Hard Thing" you’re working on right now? Is it a sport, an instrument, or maybe a subject that feels impossible to master?

I’m currently building a list of Free Resources that helped me stay focused when I felt like giving up. Stay tuned.