What is the Difference Between Resilience and Grit

The main difference between resilience and grit is that resilience is the ability to easily recover from or adjust to misfortune or change, whereas grit is the passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Resilience and grit are two positive personality traits that help us to be successful in life. Moreover, these two traits help us to bounce back from challenges and keep on going until you achieve your goals.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Resilience 
    – Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Grit
    – Definition, Characteristics
3. Difference Between Resilience and Grit
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Grit, Resilience

Difference Between Resilience and Grit - Comparison Summary

What is Resilience

Resilience is one’s ability to recover quickly from difficulties. In other words, it is the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again, after you have experienced something bad or difficult. Resilience also refers to the ability to manage and adapt to stress and adversity. Persistence, perseverance, optimism, and self-control are some qualities that help you to nurture resilience. Thus, it is a kind of emotional or mental strength since it requires a lot of mental work to cope with adversity.

A resilient person knows how to cope in spite of barriers, setbacks or limited resources. There can be many setbacks in life, such as losing a loved one, losing a job, and sickness. However, a resilient person goes through all this pain and obstacles, without letting these adverse circumstances crush their spirit.

Furthermore, children are usually very resilient. For example, when we learn to walk, we fall down many times, but pick up ourselves again and continue trying. This is how we pick up most of our skills.

How To Build Resilience

  • Accept that change is an inevitable part of life
  • Stop seeing crises as unconquerable problems
  • Develop realistic goals and move towards them
  • Take decisive actions, instead of being indecisive and hoping the problem will go away
  • Maintain a positive view of yourself
  • Look for chances for self-discovery

What is Grit

Grit basically refers to the strength of one’s character. However, the most accepted definition for this personality trait has been given by the American psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth. According to her, grit is the “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” Therefore, it is the trait that keeps you on a tough task over a period of time. We can associate grit with other traits like determination, diligence, and resilience.

Difference Between Resilience and Grit

Furthermore, it has been observed that people with high levels of grit have the ability to maintain their determination and motivation over long periods of time, despite the obstacles and failures they face. It has also been observed that grit is a better indicator of success than intellectual talent (IQ).

Some Common Characteristics of Grit

Courage – courage to take chances, to follow your vision, to stand up for what you believe in
Conscientiousness – being careful, diligent, organized
Perseverance – continued steady belief or efforts in spite of opposition
Resilience – being able to recover quickly from difficulties
Passion – passionate people have a deep sense of purpose and are goal-driven

Difference Between Resilience and Grit

Definition

Resilience is the ability to easily recover from or adjust to misfortune or change, whereas grit is the passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Traits Associated

Qualities like optimism, perseverance, and self-control are associated with resilience, whereas passion, resilience, courage, conscientiousness, and perseverance are associated with grit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resilience and grit are two positive personality traits that help us to be successful in life. The main difference between resilience and grit is that resilience is the ability to easily recover from or adjust to misfortune or change, whereas grit is the passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Reference:

1.”The Road to Resilience.” American Psychological Society, Available here.
2. Alessandra, Tony. “What Does Resilience Mean to You?” Speakers Office, Available here.
3. What is Grit? These are the five characteristics.” The South African College of Applied Psychology, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “2567046” (CC0) via Pexels

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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