Nelson points to evidence of grit's importance with these examples: West Point cadets who scored highest on a scale of grit were more likely to complete the grueling first summer of training. National spelling bee contestants with more grit ranked higher than other contestants of the same age who had less grit.

Here are a few examples of grit and its meaning. Athletes. For high performers, grit means the habit of training every day, pushing with awareness of the body’s limits, and making healthy lifestyle choices even when everyone is doing otherwise. Artists. It can be a misconception that artists are always inspired and ready to create.