Breaking 2024 research from Norway: 35 minutes to grit & personal power…
Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Grit is a personality trait that enables humans to navigate setbacks and obstacles on their path toward achieving goals.
A recent small-scale study highlights how believing in oneself can contribute to the development of grit and resilience.
In a short training session lasting just 35 minutes, participants demonstrated an increase in passion and perseverance, commonly referred to as grit.
Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, the lead author of the study, explained the significance of their findings:
"Our method shows promise in fostering greater persistence and self-belief among individuals striving to reach their objectives."
How the study was conducted
The study involved 38 university students from Norway who participated in an online course named 'I CAN.' This course aimed to enhance participants' levels of grit and resilience by imparting several key principles:
Emphasizing the importance of sustained effort and dedication in skill development.
Encouraging the adoption of a proactive mindset and discouraging procrastination.
Highlighting the correlation between passion and perseverance, stressing the role of dedication in achieving excellence.
Professor Sigmundsson noted the remarkable changes observed following the completion of the online course:
"It's quite remarkable to witness a significant shift in grit within such a short timeframe."
He further elaborated on the concept of fostering an 'I can' attitude, suggesting that consistent reinforcement of positive beliefs can strengthen relevant neural pathways. This approach aims to equip individuals with the mindset necessary to overcome future challenges.
According to Professor Sigmundsson, a stronger belief in one's capabilities facilitates the cultivation of passion and resilience:
"Believing in one's ability to succeed not only increases the likelihood of tackling new challenges but also fosters the courage to pursue areas of interest and develop a deep-seated passion for them."
The study suggests that fostering self-belief is integral to the cultivation of grit and resilience. By instilling a sense of confidence and determination, humans are better equipped to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with tenacity. It would serve our species to fully distinguish this rather quickly accessible trait from problematic narcissism.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Sigmundsson, H., & Hauge, H. (2024). I CAN Intervention to Increase Grit and Self-Efficacy: A Pilot Study. Brain Sciences, 14(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010033
