Grit Is Important. So Is Asking for Help.

Why perseverance, self-regulation, and connection belong together in the classroom

At Yoga 4 Classrooms, we have been longtime fans of psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth, whose groundbreaking work on grit, perseverance, and self-control has helped shape conversations about student success.

Her research reminds us that achievement is not just about intelligence or talent. It is also about developing the ability to persist through challenges, manage emotions, and stay focused on meaningful goals.

But in a recent New York Times opinion piece, “I Study Successful People. They Have One Habit in Common,” Duckworth highlights another essential ingredient for success: knowing when to ask for help.

Grit Doesn’t Mean Going It Alone

Duckworth shares a powerful personal story about a snorkeling emergency involving her mother. Despite her determination to handle the situation herself, what ultimately saved them was reaching out for help.

It is an important reminder for educators and students alike: Perseverance doesn’t mean struggling alone. Sometimes the most effective next step is asking for support.

Duckworth’s earlier research distinguishes between grit, sustained commitment to long-term goals, and self-control, the ability to regulate attention, emotions, and behavior in pursuit of those goals. Her latest message adds another dimension: our environments, relationships, and willingness to seek support matter, too.

Where Mindfulness Comes In

At Yoga 4 Classrooms, we believe self-regulation and help-seeking are skills worth practicing.

When students learn to pause and notice what they are experiencing, they have an opportunity to recognize when they’re frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck. That awareness can help them consider their next step. Do I need to take a breath? Try another strategy? Keep practicing? Or ask someone for help? Mindfulness is not about teaching students to handle everything independently. It is about creating opportunities to recognize their needs and respond intentionally.

Three Mindful Ways to Practice Asking for Help

Try these simple strategies with your students:

Stronger Together

We often encourage students to be resilient, persistent, and independent. But let’s make sure we are also teaching them that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Duckworth’s work reminds us that success involves more than individual determination. It also involves recognizing and using the support available to us.

At Yoga 4 Classrooms, we are committed to helping educators create classrooms where students feel supported, connected, and equipped with practical tools for navigating challenges. Because sometimes the most important skill we can teach a student isn’t how to push through alone; it’s how to recognize when they need someone beside them.

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