The Elon community gathered in Alumni Gym for the 2018 Spring Convocation. Angela Duckworth was the featured speaker this year, speaking on how having grit and determination improves one's life.
Duckworth is a psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of the book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.”
Duckworth said working hard and following through are the keys to success.
“No matter how talented you are, you have to multiply your talent by effort to develop skill,” Duckworth said. “It takes a very long time to become really great at something.”
Duckworth said in her research she found four ways to improve grit — to develop interests, to know the science of deliberate practice, to cultivate a purpose and to have a growth mindset.
Those who have grit tend to be happier. As Duckworth said, “They go hand in hand.”
This convocation was the first for President Connie Book, who has been in office just over a month.
Book said Duckworth’s research matches the grit and determination of Elon students.