Perseverance is the one trait that consistently emerges from research, in neuroscience and psychology, as a critical determinant of success.
The neuroscience of perseverance uncovers the interplay between brain structures and neurotransmitters. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as decision making and behaviour regulation, influences our ability to set clear goals and work towards these with the necessary effort to achieve success. A chemical messenger in the brain, dopamine, is integral to our ability to focus our attention and maintain our motivation to achieve our goals. Both our prefrontal cortex and dopamine form a neurological foundation for perseverance.
Perseverance equips us with the resilience required to remain optimistic and overcome the obstacles we will inevitably encounter in life. Professor Angela Duckworth’s research reveals perseverance as a more substantial indicator of long-term success than intelligence or talent. It is not an innate characteristic. Perseverance is a skill that can be developed through strategy and experience.
If such an attribute can evolve, how might we nurture our boys’ perseverance?
Goal Setting:
Assisting our boys to set achievable goals and segment these into manageable components encourages them to track progress and celebrate milestone successes, even when obstacles arise.
Time Management and Organisation Skills:
Teaching our boys how to prioritise tasks, create schedules and establish routines, enhances their ability to apply consistent effort over time and navigate deadlines.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
Providing our boys with opportunities to work through challenges with increasing independence enhances their ability to reflect upon problems and devise solutions, promoting their tenacity, adaptability and self-efficacy.
Positivity and Perseverance:
Modelling a positive mindset and demonstrating perseverance in our own endeavours enables our boys to witness our focus, effort, determination, patience, discipline, resilience and commitment to achieving goals. Sharing stories of how others have overcome obstacles through perseverance will also inspire and motivate our boys to keep moving forward.
Steadfast Support:
Acknowledging the reality of life’s many and varied challenges, providing constructive feedback, recognising efforts and praising progress positively reinforces our boys’ willingness to persevere when challenged. It also empowers our boys to continue to pursue personal growth.
Perseverance develops our neural pathways and psychological strength to endure hardships, learn from mistakes, maintain motivation and apply the necessary effort to keep moving towards success.
Anja-Lee Caldwell
Junior School Curriculum Leader