Young Glaswegians are the most likely to have the sheer grit needed to succeed in life, a new study has said.
The report suggests there is something about certain cities, particularly in Scotland, that seems to influence children to have the drive necessary to achieve later in life.
Glasgow was given a ‘grit score’ of 3.16. Aberdeen came second, with a score of 3.15, and Edinburgh joint 15th, with a score of 3.05.
The survey involved 2,000 11 to 18-year-olds and was carried out using a scale developed by Professor Angela Duckworth at the University of Pennsylvania.
According to her ‘grit scale’ Glaswegian youngsters, come top as they are more likely to work towards challenges, finish what they have begun, and maintain effort and interest over years despite failure.
The report found that those who describe themselves as ambitious are not necessarily the same as those who have the ‘grit’ needed to succeed.
Ranked 30th, the UK’s least gritty city was found to be Gloucester, with a score of 2.87. Children growing up there were least likely to see their ambitions through.
Respondents in the city said they changed their goals, lacked focus and were discouraged by setbacks.
Prof Duckworth said: “Grit may be as essential as talent to high accomplishment. If it’s important for you to become one of the best people in your field, you are going to have to stick with it when it’s hard.”
The average grit score in the UK is 3.04.
The study was commissioned to support the Ambition AXA Awards, a £200,000 awards scheme for 11 to 18-year-olds to recognise high-flying you people.
Five talented young people could each win a bespoke mentoring prize worth up to £40,000 out of the £200,000.
The deadline for entries is 14 October and the winners will be announced on 30 November 2011.
