Student Athletes and Academic Performance: The role of GRIT

Grit is a personality trait that reflects the perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It is often associated with success in various domains, such as sports, education, and career. But how does grit affect students' athletes and their academic performance? In this article, we are going to explore the benefits and challenges of grit for student-athletes, and provide some tips on how to cultivate and balance grit in both sports and academics.

 

Role of Grit in Student Athletes

What is Grit and Why is it Important for Student-Athletes?

 

According to Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and researcher who popularized the concept of grit, 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." Grit is not the same as talent, intelligence, or luck. It is the ability to overcome obstacles, cope with failures, and persist in the face of difficulties.

Grit is especially important for student-athletes, who face high demands and expectations in both sports and academics. Student-athletes need to balance their time, energy, and resources between their athletic and academic pursuits, while also dealing with stress, pressure, and competition. Grit can help student-athletes to:

- Stay focused and motivated on their long-term goals, such as winning a championship, getting a scholarship, or graduating with honors.

- Develop a growth mindset, which is the belief that one can improve one's abilities and skills through effort and feedback.

- Embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, rather than avoiding or giving up on them.

- Seek feedback and support from coaches, teachers, mentors, and peers, rather than isolating themselves or feeling threatened by others' success.

- Manage their emotions and cope with setbacks, such as injuries, losses, or poor grades.

What are the Benefits and Challenges of Grit for Student-Athletes' Academic Performance?

Research has shown that grit can have positive effects on student-athletes' academic performance. For example, a study by Duckworth and colleagues found that grittier students had higher grade point averages (GPAs) and were more likely to graduate from high school than less gritty students, regardless of their IQ or socioeconomic status. Another study by Hill and colleagues found that grittier student-athletes had higher GPAs and were more likely to stay in college than less gritty student-athletes, regardless of their athletic ability or academic preparation.

However, grit can also have some drawbacks for student-athletes' academic performance. For example, some student-athletes may become too gritty, meaning that they may overcommit to their goals, neglect other aspects of their lives, or burn out from excessive stress. Some student-athletes may also have conflicting or competing goals, such as wanting to excel in both sports and academics, but having limited time and resources to do so. Some student-athletes may also face stereotypes or stigma from others, such as being labeled as "dumb jocks" or "nerdy athletes", which can affect their self-esteem and motivation.

How to Cultivate and Balance Grit in Both Sports and Academics?

To cultivate and balance grit in both sports and academics, student-athletes can follow these tips:

- Set SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to be a better basketball player", say "I want to improve my free throw percentage by 10% by the end of the season".

- Break down your goals into smaller and manageable steps, and track your progress and achievements. For example, instead of saying "I want to get an A in math", say "I want to complete all the homework assignments, study for the quizzes and exams, and ask for help when I need it".

- Prioritize your tasks and activities, and allocate your time and energy accordingly. For example, use a planner or a calendar to schedule your classes, practices, games, homework, study, and leisure time, and stick to your plan as much as possible.

- Seek balance and variety in your life, and make time for rest, recovery, and fun. For example, take breaks between your tasks and activities, get enough sleep and nutrition, and engage in hobbies and interests that are not related to sports or academics.

- Seek support and guidance from others, and build a network of positive and supportive people. For example, talk to your coaches, teachers, mentors, and peers about your goals, challenges, and achievements, and ask for their feedback, advice, and encouragement.

In conclusion, grit is a valuable trait for student-athletes, as it can help them to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges in both sports and academics. However, grit can also have some drawbacks, such as overcommitment, conflict, or stigma, which can affect their academic performance. Therefore, student-athletes need to cultivate and balance grit in both domains, by setting SMART goals, breaking them down into steps, prioritizing their tasks, seeking balance and variety, and seeking support and guidance from others.

FAQ

- What is grit?

    - Grit is a personality trait that reflects the perseverance and passion for long-term goals.

- Why is grit important for student-athletes?

    - Grit is important for student-athletes because it can help them to stay focused and motivated, develop a growth mindset, embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, seek feedback and support, and manage their emotions and cope with setbacks.

- What are the benefits and challenges of grit for student-athletes' academic performance?

    - The benefits of grit for student-athletes' academic performance are higher GPAs, higher graduation rates, and higher retention rates. The challenges of grit for student-athletes' academic performance are overcommitment, conflict, and stigma.

- How to cultivate and balance grit in both sports and academics?

    - To cultivate and balance grit in both sports and academics, student-athletes can set SMART goals, break them down into steps, prioritize their tasks, seek balance and variety, and seek support and guidance from others.

Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. New York: Scribner.

Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of personality and social psychology, 92(6), 1087. Hill, P. L., Burrow, A. L., & Bronk, K. C. (2016). Persevering with positivity and purpose: An examination of purpose commitment and positive affect as predictors of grit. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17(1), 257-269.