Grit is an important variable in predicting someone's success. Duckhworth's research (2007, and so on) proves that individuals with high grits will have better success. The question is, can we change the grit? Or, in fact it is permanent in each person? At what age if we intend to change low grits to high? Can training be done? Please convey your opinions.
The localization of grit in the conscientiousness domain enables us to assume a degree of change similar to the degree of change found for conscientiousness. Based on this assumption we may consider the neosocioanalytic model of personality trait development (Roberts, B., W., Wood, & Caspi, 2008) for an approach to the development of grit throughout life. The model offers a theoretical explanation of the change of personality traits from adolescence to adulthood by identifying several mechanisms that may contribute to changes in personality traits such as the experiences that are connected to age-graded social roles (Lodi-Smith & Roberts, 2007). The theoretical approach that aims to explain how transitional experiences and situational demands may shape personality, commonly assume that the changes in personality are preceded by behavioral changes. Following this approach, environmental demands can create a reward structure that promotes self-regulated and consistent changes in behavior that in turn may cause changes in traits (Bleidorn, 2012). These considerations are of high relevance in regard to the presumed malleability of grit. These assumptions render an explanation of these changes possible. Even though promising approaches were identified, such as interventions to foster grit through deliberate practice (Eskreis-Winkler, 2015) or a growth mindset (Abboud, 2017), the results still require caution. Whereas short-term effects on achievement could be shown, the actual development of grit as a personality trait cannot be established from the short intervention periods. Future approaches are in need of longitudinal studies with post‑intervention assessment such as the study carried out on Mazedonia (World Bank). One can be eager, what the results are!
Best,
Fabian
I agree with Fabian that grit develops throughout life and it is a personality trait. The way to develop, reinforce, and change grit is highly dependent on the social context (family, friends, community) of the individual. It can be enabled by education. In my view, it is important that individuals learn to deal with failures in their early life, they learn to reflect, and to turn failures into success.
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