1. Developing Grit
Gerald Warren – College Counselor KIPP Houston High Present University of St. Thomas

2. Definition The power of Passion and Perseverance. Angela Duckworth.
Talent X Effort = Skill Skill X Effort =Achievement
Effort is the Key

3. Symptoms of Lack of Grit
Blame
Procrastination
Complaining
Excuses
Easily giving up
Low Self-esteem
Focus on weakness
Compares oneself unfavorably to others

4. Symptoms of Lack of Grit
Sees problems as permanent
Predicts defeat
Assumes the role of victim
Always looking for the easy way out
(From On Course, by Skip Downing)

5. Possible Causes for lack of grit
Smart Phones
Over Parenting
Focus on data results rather than skill
Internet

6. What causes grit? Hard Work Pain, Suffering, etc. Practice Purpose
Hope
Time

7. Practical steps to increase grit
Help students help themselves
Stop hand-holding students
Encourage taking personal responsibility for actions
Teach students the language of responsibility
Teach students to be creators vs. victims

8. Victims vs. Creators Victims focus on weakness
Creators focus on how to improve
Victims make excuses
Creators seek solutions
Victims complain
Creators turn complaints into requests
Victims compare themselves unfavorably to others
Creators seek help from those more skilled
Victims blame
Creators accept responsibility
Victims see problems as permanent
Creators treat problems as temporary
Victims predict defeat and give up
Creators think positively and look for a better choice
Victims try
Creators do

9. Our Commitment
Victim vs. Creator

10. Questions?