Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century

SRI Authors: Louise Yarnall

Abstract

This brief takes a close look at grit, tenacity, and perseverance, factors that underlie the tendency to strive for success at long-term and higher-order goals and to persist in the face of challenges, obstacles, and setbacks. By success, we mean the attainment of important educational outcomes, such as strong academic performance and graduation from high school and college, as well as significant life outcomes, such as productive employment, physical and psychological well-being, and making contributions to society. We explore this broadly and also specifically with respect to the new opportunities and challenges associated with the expanding capabilities of digital technologies in education.