The Power of Grit: Why Intelligence Isn't Everything
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Success
Success is not merely determined by one's natural talent or intelligence.
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Section 1.1: Inspiring Stories of Grit
Consider this scenario: a student is labeled a "dunce" by the principal and eventually expelled from school. Yet, he remains steadfast in his passion for science, leading him to make revolutionary contributions to physics that alter our comprehension of the universe. This remarkable individual is none other than Albert Einstein.
Now, think about a young basketball player who is rejected from the varsity team due to his height and inability to dunk. Through relentless training and determination, he eventually rises to become one of the most celebrated basketball legends, clinching six NBA championships and inspiring countless fans. His name? Michael Jordan.
A fascinating personal anecdote: during a visit to the Great Wall of China in 2004, I spotted Michael Jordan. Our tour bus had halted, and as we were preparing to leave, a crowd surged toward the Wall, eager to catch a glimpse of him. My son, who is fluent in Chinese, informed me that a dignitary was present, prompting us to join the throng. Jordan was unmistakable, towering over the local guides, and the excitement from the crowd was palpable.
These examples exemplify the extraordinary power of grit—the ability to withstand challenges, persist through difficulties, and ultimately achieve remarkable success, even in the absence of inherent intelligence or talent.
While intelligence can be beneficial, it is not the primary element in attaining success. So, if you believe that your IQ is too low to reach greatness, read on for some encouraging insights.
Section 1.2: Understanding IQ
The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is defined by Mensa International as a standardized score that gauges how an individual's mental abilities compare to their peers. The initial IQ test was designed to identify students needing additional support in academic settings. Developed over a century ago by French psychologist Alfred Binet and his colleague Theodore Simon, this assessment has become widely recognized as a measure of intelligence.
Subsequent iterations of the IQ test have been created to enhance its robustness and reflect the complexities of intelligence across diverse backgrounds. Intelligence tests such as the Army Alpha and Beta Tests were also employed during World War I to evaluate recruits.
Additionally, these tests were utilized to assess new immigrants in the United States, leading to harmful stereotypes about entire demographics. This resulted in legislative restrictions on certain groups deemed "genetically inferior" based on their test results.
Contemporary intelligence assessments evaluate skills like mathematical ability, spatial reasoning, memory, and language proficiency. Recognizing patterns, retaining information, and problem-solving are critical components of intelligence, and IQ tests generally emphasize these skills.
Chapter 2: The Role of Grit in Success
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist renowned for her influential TED Talk on grit, argues that success is less about standardized test scores or prestigious degrees and more about a unique blend of passion and persistence. “What distinguishes high achievers is their grit,” Duckworth asserts.
Despite skepticism regarding her findings, researchers revisited Duckworth's theory in 2019 to investigate the role of perseverance in success. Their extensive study at West Point involved over 11,000 cadets and assessed cognitive ability, physical fitness, and grit in relation to various success metrics, such as academic performance and completion of a demanding training course known as Beast Barracks.
While cognitive ability strongly correlated with academic performance, grit emerged as the most influential factor in successfully enduring the rigorous training. Cadets demonstrating this quality had a 54% higher chance of completing the initiation.
When examining graduation rates, both grit and physical fitness proved to be more reliable indicators of success than cognitive ability. Duckworth emphasizes, “Cognitive ability alone is insufficient for achieving life’s goals.”
Her research suggests that natural talent plays a lesser role in determining who achieves high levels of success. Instead, effort is paramount. Duckworth articulates this with her equations:
Talent x Effort = Skill
Skill x Effort = Achievement
“Talent reflects how quickly your skills develop when you exert effort, while achievement is the result of applying those skills,” Duckworth explains.
Consequently, a person's “grittiness”—the commitment to putting in substantial effort—can make all the difference.
So, if you find yourself not being the brightest in the room, that's perfectly acceptable. It's not the key factor in attaining success in life. Your dedication to your aspirations and the effort you invest in achieving them are far more crucial than your intellectual capabilities.
Perseverance and passion are the defining traits that propel individuals toward success, regardless of their chosen fields, be it science, sports, military training, or any other pursuits.
“Our potential is one thing,” Duckworth summarizes. “What we do with it is quite another.”
In this enlightening video, Heidi Roizen discusses the importance of not being the smartest person in the room, highlighting how collaboration and diverse perspectives can lead to greater success.
In this insightful talk, a tech CEO shares that it's perfectly fine not to be the smartest person in the room, emphasizing that success lies in teamwork and personal growth.