Grit and Perseverance - the Key to College

When people think about what it takes to succeed in college, they often focus on intelligence, talent, or prior knowledge. But ask any professor or successful graduate, and you’ll hear something different: the students who thrive in college are not always the smartest - they are the ones who show grit and perseverance.

What Is Grit, Really?

Grit is a combination of passion and persistence toward long-term goals. It's the drive to keep going, even when the road gets tough. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, who popularized the concept, describes grit as "sticking with your future - day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years - and working really hard to make that future a reality."

In a college context, this means showing up, doing the work, and staying motivated even when classes feel overwhelming, when you get a disappointing grade, or when life throws challenges your way.

Perseverance: The Day-to-Day Struggle

Perseverance is about the daily choices you make: studying when you'd rather sleep, rewriting that essay one more time, or asking for help even when it's uncomfortable. It’s the small, consistent actions that move you forward - even if the progress feels slow.

College is not designed to be easy. It stretches your thinking, tests your limits, and forces you to manage your time and responsibilities in new ways. That’s where perseverance shines. It's what gets you through the tough chapters, the confusing lectures, and the long nights.

Why Grit Matters More Than Talent

You don’t need to be a genius to succeed in college. You need to be someone who doesn’t give up. Students with grit often outperform those with raw talent because they’re willing to fail, learn from mistakes, and try again. They understand that setbacks are not permanent — they’re part of the learning process.

This mindset - sometimes called a growth mindset helps students view challenges not as stop signs but as opportunities to grow. They know that real learning happens when things get difficult.

Grit in Action: What It Looks Like

  • Showing up to class even when you're tired or discouraged
  • Turning in every assignment - even if it's not perfect
  • Asking for help when you’re confused, rather than staying stuck
  • Using campus resources like tutoring centers, study groups, or talking to the Professor
  • Rebounding from failure - whether it’s a bad grade or a bad day
  • Balancing work, life, and school without giving up on your goals
  • Grit doesn’t mean you never struggle. It means you push through the struggle with purpose.

How to Build Grit and Stay Motivated

Grit is not something you either have or don’t have - it’s a skill you can build. Here’s how:

  • Set meaningful goals. When you know why you’re in college - whether it’s for your career, your family, or personal growth - it’s easier to stay focused.
  • Celebrate small wins. Finishing a paper, passing a quiz, or even showing up to class on a hard day is progress.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your path and your progress.
  • Reflect on setbacks. Instead of quitting after a failure, ask, “What can I learn from this?”
  • Find support. Build a network of friends, professors, mentors, or advisors who encourage and believe in you.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey, Your Grit

College will challenge you - not just academically, but emotionally and mentally. You will have days where you question yourself. That’s normal. What matters is how you respond. Will you keep showing up? Will you keep trying? Will you keep moving forward, even when it’s tough?

That’s grit. That’s perseverance. And those are the real keys to success - in college and in life. On a personal note, I struggled in my first two programming classes. For me, the light did not go on until the third class. What mattered was that I decided, “I am going to do this” — no matter what!

So, no matter where you start or how hard the journey gets, remember this: you don’t have to be perfect to succeed - you just have to be persistent. Keep going. Your future is worth the effort.


Article Reference: Duckworth, A. L. (2013, April). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance [Video]. TED Conferences. Retrieved from TED Talks Website