Key to Success Grit TED talk

Essay #1
Please watch the 6-minute TED talk, “The Key to Success: Grit”, presented by Angela Lee Duckworth. After viewing the TED talk, please share a time when you displayed grit and explain how your ability to be resilient will ensure your success in completing a rigorous four year optometric program. Click here to view: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit

Key to Success Grit TED talk

            When I was growing up, I aspired to be just like my brother because he was brilliant in school, sports and had many friends. In my view, I thought my brother was perfect because he was good at everything. Even though I admired him a lot, I grew tired of following in his shadow, so when I turned eight years old, I decided to achieve my greatness. I planned to do this by selecting one thing that I would beat my brother in. One day, when we were out for the family game night, my parents decided that we should try miniature golfing. I had never played it before, but once I saw the short silver sticks as well as the dimpled balls, I convinced myself that it was not going to be that difficult.

           I took the gear and went on to start on the first hole. I was quite nervous, but I still smashed the golf ball, and it ended up getting lost in the parking lot. Then I decided to quit right away. Quitting became my new normal, and anything that I tried to do but failed, I decided to let it go. I began questioning whether I was normal, and I yearned to find something that I would excel in and identify myself with. I later realized that my problem was that I lacked the crucial skill of pursuing my goals, and I also did not have the mental strength to withstand all the challenges that I faced; I did not have grit.

           By the time I was 12 years old, I had already quit on many activities, hobbies, and clubs, but the only thing that I did not give up on was the ambition to start anew. It was then that I realized that I was quitting because I was afraid of failing. However, I found a new passion for reading later on, and just when I was about to quit again, one of my teachers taught me the proper techniques to persevere despite the fear. Reading has become my long-term passion, especially since I tapped into my inner strength, which helped me find my grit. This has changed the trajectory of my life ever since.

           My resilience will help me handle the optometric program’s pressure positively because I will find a balance. I believe that one needs both negative and positive experiences and emotions to appreciate a situation. Therefore, the rigorous program will help me appreciate its benefits and find my passion for it as I continue with my studies. I view change as an opportunity or challenge; hence, even as I begin the program, my mindset will still be focused irrespective of any difficulties I experience.

           I believe that I will be successful in the program because I can make realistic plans, especially when it comes to accomplishing the program’s different needs. My resilience has taught me how to gauge life’s challenges and set myself back to even ground in stressful situations. I think that this aspect will ensure that I become successful in the program. Furthermore, my reading passion is a meaningful activity that I will continue to indulge in regularly to grow my positive thinking and maintain a positive attitude towards the program.

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