Please see the following questions and answers for this week’s discussion on the grit scale
and the Big Five Personality Test.
Based on the grit scale and the Big Five Personality Test, what is your grit level and
most dominant personality traits? Do you agree with your results?
• For my grit score, I received a score of 48 out of 50. According to the assessment,
this means I see myself more gritty than about 95 percent of American adults see
themselves. When it comes to the Big Five Personality Test, the dominant
personality trait was extraversion. Extraversion means outgoing, talkative, and
sociable. I 100% agree with these results. The results of the grit are influenced by
the motivation that I have especially for my career. The motivation and powerful
motivators that the grit showed can give me success in my goals, social
intelligence, occupational and educational contexts. Angela Duckworth, I think
describes grit the best. She states “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-
term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is 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” (Duckworth, 2013). I could not agree with this more
than anything, this describes me and my career to the tea.
What is the value of knowing your grit level and personality traits?
• The value of knowing your grit level and personality traits is extremely important.
We need to understand more about ourselves. It's not all about being the most
popular, the most intelligent, or the person with the most talent. It will give us the
motivation to have success and goals of achievement. If everyone just put a little
extra time or effort into themselves our potential will shine and the best skill, we
have will lead us to success.
Do you agree with Rita Pierson’s position that emotional connections (positive or
negative) are critical motivators for achieving long-term goals? Explain why or why
not.
• I agree with Rita Pierson’s position that emotional connections are critical
motivators. This is because we are influenced by our experiences and situations
that we have. Many of our connections are something that we will remember and
often relate to. Our experience will either be positive or negative. How we deal
with these experiences will help with future long-term goals. The experiences don’t
have to be career or socially connected. The experience can be trying to swim for
the first time or trying to ride a bike. The emotional connection we learn is that a
first it will be hard, scary, or even impossible to achieve. Still, with guidance and
teachings from any type of motivator (teacher, friend, family, etc.) these two
experiences can be achieved in long term goals.
Who is your champion? (Note: This can be yourself.) How does your champion
contribute to your grit or motivation?
• I am going to have to say it myself. Yes, I am calling myself my champion. I have
gone through a lot of challenges and “experiences” in the last 10 or so years. It has
made me a better person, a better boss, and most importantly a better husband and
father. I was able to get promoted in my career and as you can see an opportunity
to go back to school. I am working on my Doctrine in Public Health. My kids are
seeing what I am doing and all the great accomplishments that I have received has
made them work harder in school and their extracurricular activities. All four of
my children are on the honor roll and my oldest was made Captain for her sport as
a Junior. I ask them “why are you working so hard?” They tell me because of you
daddy, you show us what hard work gets us. I don’t care about the life safety
awards I have received or the accomplishments I have done, but I do care is how
my kids are raised and how I am setting them up for a bright future. I will always
go above and beyond because that is who I am. So, absolutely you can say it is
because of my grit and motivation.
How do the concepts of grit and personality apply to any of the following programmatic
course themes:
• Self-Care – Knowing what your limits are and understanding if you don’t take care
of yourself your ability to have success lessons.
• Social Justice - Knowing what is around you and how your traits can affect
someone else’s social outcomes.
• Emotional Intelligence – Understand your stress level and how to lower it.
Dealing with any situation that is given to you whether it is good or bad and
growing to reach any future goals.
• Career Connections – The need to be understanding with others in your career.
Someone else’s ideas can be a great opportunity for everyone.
• Ethics - Staying true to my beliefs and values. Understand that there are different
beliefs and values around us. To learn what they are and how to incorporate them
correctly in our themes.
References:
Duckworth, A. L. (2013, April).
Grit: The power of passion and
perseverance
[Video file].
https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_o
f_passion_and_perseverance
Everyone have a great week and weekend. If you are in the path of
the hurricane, please stay safe.
