Resilience Assignment Part 2

Resilience Assignment Part 2

Identify at least two concepts from the readings and the video that you hadn’t thought of before, and that you would like to cultivate in your life. 

a.       Why you chose them and why they relate to your personally
b.       In what part of your life do you want to begin applying and practicing these concepts – for example, your CU work, your family, your job, and your personal life goals, etc.

From the resilience assignment, the video of Angela Duckworth (TED Talk) addressed concepts that I hadn’t thought of before.  It is fascinating to study traits of successful, expert, or genius people.  After all, I believe that many people are smart, intuitive, and successful – but, what are the specific distinctions between those that are successful and those that are world-class exceptional.  Could I be world class or expert on the inside and never share it with the world because I lack specific traits?

Duckworth defined those traits as, “grit.”  She said that grit was necessary for achievement in any field.  She also pointed out that having “talent” is only half of grit – it must be coupled with the capacity to unlock it.  Grit is perseverance! It is a trait of those known as genius.  Geniuses have combined talent, passion, and hard work.  Duckworth even researched traits of geniuses and came up with two: 1) not being flakey or bouncing around; capacity to stay on task and 2) perseverance in the face of defeat.   

Personally, it has been challenging throughout my life to “stay on task.”  Even in College Unbound, I struggle with staying focused and not giving up.  The combined challenges of work, the family, and College Unbound can seem insurmountable.  It takes much energy and a desire deep down to get everything done that should be done.  Although, I haven’t researched the traits of geniuses, I’d argue that “patience” is one of them.  I have to focus on patience – it doesn’t come easy.  When I was younger, if I decided to paint a room, I’d paint it the exact day that I came up with the idea.  An instant gratification, really, rather than a well-thought out plan.  While having the room done in a day seems harmless, there were consequences that didn’t go unnoticed.  For example, exerting that kind of energy created a level of tiredness or crankiness that the family would endure and caused more important tasks to take a back burner.  To have grit, you must also be patient.

Duckworth described it best toward the end of her presentation.  She said (referring to National Spelling Bee candidates) that they spent time figuring out what they didn’t know and focused on it.  Focusing on what you don’t know takes you out of your comfort zone.  Most people don’t want to be uncomfortable.  After all, perseverance, genius, talent, or grit - we all learn when we are removed from our comfort zone.