What Makes Our Learning Gritty? A Reflection on Our Knowledge Wildland

A Learning Nomad travels across the wildland of knowledge, constantly adapting, evolving, and persevering in the face of challenges.

In my last podcast episode, Become a Veteran: Turn Experience into Lifelong Strength Through Gritty Learning, I introduced the concept of "Gritty Learning." It is an approach that emphasizes perseverance, resilience, and sustained effort over time. Gritty learners dare to push through difficulties with determination, cultivate a deep and enduring interest in their chosen pursuit, recover from setbacks, and remain committed to continuous growth.

Grit, in its literal sense, refers to small, coarse particles like sand—rough, uncomfortable, and often abrasive. In psychological terms, Angela Duckworth defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-term goals. But today, we’re not delving deeper into the definition of gritty learning. Instead, we explore a key question:

What elements in our world make our learning gritty?

Here are what I found:

1. AI and Technology: Learning as a Necessity, Not a Luxury

The rapid advancement of AI and automation makes learning a survival skill rather than an optional endeavour. Technology evolves like a relentless wind, pushing us backwards if we do not adapt. To stay relevant, we must embrace continuous learning, not as a luxury but as an essential part of our journey.

2. Setbacks is the New Normal

The global environment no longer guarantees smooth, linear growth. Uncertainty and disruption define our era, making resilience an indispensable skill. The key is not to avoid setbacks but to master the art of minimizing their impact while maximizing the lessons they offer. Gritty learning means navigating these setbacks like walking through a stormy wildland—leaning into the wind, recalibrating, and moving forward despite resistance.

3. Our World Values Differentiation

In a world saturated with competition, simply joining a large tribe and following the same beliefs is no longer enough. Success comes from differentiation—finding a unique voice, perspective, or approach that sets us apart. Learning must therefore be personalized, adaptable, and deeply rooted in our individuality.

4. The Paradox of Resource Scarcity

We often believe we have more resources than previous generations—more knowledge, networks, and capital. Yet, the greatest limitation is our time. The value of resources is not in their abundance but in our ability to utilize them effectively. Time scarcity forces us to be selective, strategic, and deliberate in our learning, making every moment count.

5. Forced Out of Comfort Zones

Our world is pushing us beyond our comfort zones. We are often forced to learn in coarse and challenging conditions—like traversing an unpredictable, gritty wildland. The journey is windy and uncertain. The sand stings our eyes, and the path is rarely clear. Yet, it is this very friction that strengthens our perseverance.

Gritty Learning is a Learning Nomad Habit

Gritty learning is not about effortless progress. It is about pushing forward despite the discomfort, moving two steps forward and one step back, occasionally losing focus, but never stopping. While we cannot change the external forces that shape our environment, we can cultivate the perseverance required to thrive.

This is the essence of the Learning Nomad—a relentless pursuit of knowledge, shaped by the winds of adversity, but always moving forward.