According to Angela Duckworth, one of the four keys to grit is to have a purpose.
More specifically..."have a purpose beyond yourself."
Another way to say that is—
- you try to help others, and
- be part of something bigger.
The Importance of Having a Purpose
Research on "beyond the self purpose” shows it's linked to long-term goals and passion. Having a sense of purpose boosts motivation to work towards your goals.
Having a clear sense of purpose can provide a greater sense of direction and fulfillment in life.
It helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you and guides your decisions and actions.
What Do the Professionals Do?
Look at pro athletes.
At times it may seem they're pursuing personal goals.
However, look deeper...
You'll see they're often motivated by:
- believing in something bigger than themselves
- having a dogged determination while working toward that bigger vision
There's a more interesting point though. By believing and working toward a meaningful goal, you gain something more.
The Benefits of Working Towards Your Purpose
Two byproducts of working toward your purpose:
- being fulfilled
- avoiding burnout
Feeling aimless or dissatisfied at work?
Lack of a greater purpose might be the root cause.
Discovering a purpose serving others can nurture grit and meaning.
Finding a purpose beyond yourself is essential.
It helps you grow grit and adds more meaning to your pursuits.
So, embrace it to lead a fulfilling life!
Developing Grit in Pre-teens:
Helping Them Find Their Beyond Goal
Grit, the ability to persevere and maintain long-term passion and perseverance towards a goal, is an important trait that can greatly contribute to success in life.
For tweens, who are at a crucial stage of personal development, nurturing grit and helping them find their beyond goal can have a profound impact on their growth.
Here are some strategies you can use:
- Encourage exploration: Allow your tween to explore different interests and activities. By exposing them to various experiences, they will have more opportunities to discover what truly resonates with them.
- Discuss values: Engage your tween in conversations about values and what matters most to them. Help them identify causes or issues they feel passionate about.
- Exposure to role models: Introduce your tween to inspiring individuals who have made a difference in the world by pursuing a purpose beyond themselves. This could be through books, documentaries, or even inviting guest speakers.
- Volunteering: Encourage your tween to get involved in community service or volunteer work related to their interests or causes they care about. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into the impact they can make.
- Set goals together: Help your tween set meaningful goals that align with their purpose beyond themselves. Break these goals down into manageable steps so they can track their progress along the way.
- Celebrate small victories: Recognize and celebrate your tween's achievements as they work towards their purpose-driven goals. This will reinforce their motivation and commitment.
Remember that developing grit takes time and effort;
it's not an overnight process.
Be patient with your tween.
They are navigating a journey of self-discovery.
Encourage them to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth.
This will empower them to overcome obstacles
and lead a fulfilling life driven by
passion and perseverance.