The Importance of Grit

According to the Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, grit (in terms of behavior) is defined as “firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.”

Today in our weekly Monday Message from Dean Lee Fisher, he quoted a C|M|Law alumnus on the concept of grit. At last week’s Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association (CMLAA) Annual Meeting, outgoing President Tim Collins ’85 passed the gavel to new President Judge Michelle Paris ’84.   In her first speech as President, Judge Paris stated: “My journey has been a combination of grit…and gratitude. I am very grateful for the night program that allowed me to work and go to school. In the night program I was surrounded by people with grit – working, studying, trying to cross the finish line.”

Most people probably know they have to fight through adversity to reach goals. But the question sometimes is: how can I display grit? The American Bar Association has a Grit Project Program Toolkit that may be of use to students and practicing lawyers alike. The toolkit contains reading resources, tests, and quizzes on grit, as well as video scenarios to assist in developing a grit mindset.