Unlocking Your Potential: Grit, Determination, and Mindset

Gr 6 Up—This video encourages students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, focusing on the personal accounts of five young people, and it emphasizes the tenets of researcher Carol Dweck's growth mind-set (that success comes in large part from effort and hard work instead of inborn ability). Beginning with Steve, a college student with muscular dystrophy, viewers are introduced to the idea that passion, determination, and tenacity can move you forward in any circumstance. Noah, an African American 19-year-old, talks about how his family supported him as he put his full effort into thriving at college. Jake, a middle school student with dyslexia, likens his repetitive study routine to the practice that helps him flourish as a baseball player. Lindsay is an outgoing musical theater student with talent, made stronger by determination and a willingness to listen to and learn from criticism. Justin, a young man from New York City, faces his fear of heights and deep water, taking safe risks with the educational organization Outward Bound. After each three- to five-minute interview, narrator Katie Chung summarizes key takeaway points. This program presents an excellent case for encouraging grit and perseverance rather than an "I'm just not good at this" attitude. The accompanying classroom materials are well thought out and particularly on-target.