A recent conversation with one of our veteran teachers about our school, left me wondering the following question, "As a principal and O-C parent, what am I doing to develop grit in our kids?"

The definition of grit is an easy one. It is more than just intelligence or talent; it's the commitment to overcoming obstacles and staying dedicated to one's group or individual goals. It involves resilience, determination, and a willingness to accept and learn from failures. It is the the foundation of building resilience, embracing challenges, and developing a mindset that encourages deliberate growth and purpose. True grit rubs off on peers making groups stronger and more resilient with each passing season.

Looking for more guidance, I have done a bit of research on how to refine myself and challenge the adults and young people in my life to dig in and work, while learning the lessons that go along with it. An old verse tells us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Father/son duo, Troy and Moses Thorne wrote Mental Toughness for Young Athletes in both teen and parent formats. After reading the book, I am reminded that we don't have to start over with the events in our lives.

Instead, it is talking about the events of our lives a little differently. Accountability over blame, love over leaving, and digging deep over retreating were themes that really stuck out to me as I researched different blogs, books, and videos. Each of these ongoing life lessons can be difficult to go through, but they are what give us the grit to develop into strong and capable adults that lead families and communities.

With the long winter days coming up, I hope that you can join me in supporting our young Knights as they tackle these life lessons and continue to work to develop the grit that Oakland-Craig is known for.