What is perseverance?

Perseverance is the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles. People who persevere show steadfastness in doing something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.

Perseverance -- sometimes called "grit" -- is the great leveler. You don't have to be the wealthiest, have the most friends, or be the smartest kid in the class; if you persevere, you can reach your goals. You can help inspire perseverance by allowing kids to experience failure -- in a safe, supported environment. When kids need to recover from a setback, think their way through a challenge, and try again, they develop grit.