If we could help someone develop any skill, what would it be? One possible answer emerging from the research is grit. But how does it compare to a growth mindset, and how easy is it to teach?
Read on to learn more about:
What is grit?
‘Grit’ was conceptualised by American psychologist, Angela Duckworth, as “perseverance and passion for long term goals”. Her research has shown how those with a “grittier” outlook perform better in a diverse range of settings, including in school, university, during military training and even in national spelling bees.
Paul Tough, in his New York Times bestseller, ‘How Children Succeed’, weaves scientific research with a great narrative on how some schools in America are helping their students become grittier. There has been debate in some circles as to whether you can teach someone to be gritty. Angela Duckworth is quick to point out that you probably can, but that the research isn’t there yet to tell us how.
So, where does this leave us?
While we wait for the research to emerge on how to develop grit, perhaps our focus for now should be on how to facilitate an environment in which it can flourish. Back in England, research fellow, Mustafa Sarkar, has spent a lot of time studying mental resilience in Olympic champions. Conceptually, there are some differences between grit and mental resilience, but there are enough similarities to say that they are in the same ball-park.
Based on this research, he suggests several ways how to set up the right environment for mental resilience. We pick out what to grow with a Growth Mindset here.
So, what are the most important things to grow in this environment? Below are four key areas that not only thrive in a Growth Mindset culture but also strengthen it in return.
Some stress, not no stress
There’s a growing tendency to shield young people from stress entirely, but the reality is that moderate and well-timed stress can actually support growth. Many Olympic champions and high performers credit key moments of stress, such as a tough competition or a demanding coach, as experiences that pushed them to develop resilience they might not have otherwise known they had.
This is where a bit of negative thinking can be surprisingly helpful. In the right context, a touch of realistic worry can prompt students to prepare more thoroughly and reflect on how to respond to setbacks.
Of course, too much stress can overwhelm and impair performance. But too little can lead to boredom and disengagement. There’s a sweet spot: a level of challenge that stretches students just enough to spark motivation and focus, without tipping into anxiety.
A hunger for feedback
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools in learning, but how it’s received can make all the difference. Students with a fixed mindset may interpret feedback as criticism, like a sign that they’re not smart enough or not good enough. This can lead to avoidance, defensiveness, or a reluctance to try.
In contrast, a Growth Mindset encourages students to see feedback as useful information and a guide for what to do differently next time. It shifts the focus from proving themselves to improving themselves.
This mindset is especially important when it comes to mistakes. Many students fear getting things wrong, but avoiding errors also means avoiding the best opportunities to learn. In fact, some of the most effective learning strategies, like Retrieval Practice, depend on making mistakes and learning from them.
Metacognition
Metacognition is the ability to reflect on how we think and learn. For students, it means being able to evaluate their learning process: understanding what strategies are effective and what they might need to change.
This self-awareness plays a key role in academic success, but it also builds something deeper: resilience. Metacognitive learners are better at planning their approach, monitoring their progress, and adjusting when things don’t go to plan. They’re not just completing tasks, but they’re actively thinking about how and why they’re doing them.
So, by helping students become more metacognitively aware, we empower them to take greater ownership of their learning. They become more confident and resilient when things get tough.
Building a team
Teenagers don’t always reach out when they need support. In fact, adolescence is often a time when they begin to distance themselves from the people who could help them most. That’s why it’s so important to help students build a strong support network of peers, teachers, and trusted adults.
A sense of belonging plays a crucial role in sustaining a Growth Mindset. When students feel part of a team of people who encourage, challenge, and believe in them, then they’re far more likely to take risks and step outside their comfort zones.
A psychologically safe classroom plays a big part in this. Students need to feel secure enough to speak up, make mistakes, and try again without fear of judgment. This isn’t about celebrating failure but about removing the fear of it, so they can focus on learning and growing with confidence.
Final thoughts
Developing a Growth Mindset is an important first step, laying the foundation for meaningful progress. But just like good soil needs the right seeds, the skills that we help students grow within that mindset are what truly shape their long-term success.
For more practical strategies and resources on nurturing these qualities, visit our guide page on Developing Growth Mindsets.
