2025-2026

“Resilience and Embracing Dreams” at SFXS

One of our school's themes this year is to enhance students’ perseverance and cultivate their resilient character.

The famous psychologist Angela Duckworth, who specializes in studying what make a person successful, found that what predicts success is not talent, luck, or even IQ. It’s a trait called ‘grit’.

As Angela Duckworth (2016) points out, GRIT = Perseverance + Passion.

She explains that grit consists of two parts:

1. Sustained passion for long-term goals: You have a passion for your goals and do not give up easily.
2. Constant effort and the determination to overcome difficulties: You are not afraid of difficulties or failures, and you keep pushing forward.

‘Grit’ means having a sustained passion and relentless perseverance towards long-term goals.

As boys, you may have heard the phrase ‘A man should strengthen himself’, but the reality is that boys also experience stress, setbacks, and even self-doubt, which I have also experienced myself. Sometimes, we feel that we need to be ‘tougher’, but true resilience is not about being stubborn; it’s about persisting intelligently and strategically.

Being fearless and tireless doesn't mean you aren’t scared or tired; it means that despite difficulties and fears, you won’t easily give up on your dreams.

Fellow SFXS students, I want to share four ways to boost your perseverance:

1.     Set Long-Term Goals

Don’t just think about short-term success. Ask yourself: What kind of person do I want to be in five years? Do I have a dream worth pursuing?

For junior form students, you are young and at the stage of discovering your interests and goals. You can ask yourself: What do I love? What kind of person do I want to become? Having these goals will give you a sense of direction and help you continually progress in your studies and life.

For senior form students, you are at a critical stage in life, facing choices about further studies and careers. This is a crucial time to explore your interests and establish your goals. For example, you might love science and want to become an engineer, or you might adore art and aim to be a designer. Whatever your goals, remember that passion is the greatest motivator. With clear goals, learning becomes more meaningful.

I hope you will dare to try, take the initiative to learn, explore your interests and passions, and let these drive you towards your own long-term goals.

2.     Break Down Goals, Implement Step by Step

A big goal is like a mountain. You need to climb it one step at a time, putting in some effort every day. Junior school can be busy, but time management is absolutely crucial for achieving your goals. High school is a period of significant academic pressure, but it’s also a time when you can greatly improve your self-management skills. I suggest trying a planner, such as a notebook or mobile app, to arrange daily study tasks and extracurricular activities, and you can even break down big goals into weekly or monthly milestones. This not only reduces stress but also increases efficiency.

3.     Face Failure, Stand Up Bravely

Failure is not shameful. SFXS students, you will inevitably face difficulties and setbacks in your future studies, but these challenges help us grow. Success comes from perseverance towards your goals. When you encounter difficulties, don’t give up easily. Remind yourself: every effort brings you closer to your goal.

4.     Maintain Passion, Enjoy the Process

Don’t just work hard for grades or competitions; learn to appreciate the process of chasing your dreams and enjoy the fun of growing.

This year, SFXS teachers and I will accompany you in class, activities, competitions, and even in daily life to help you face difficulties and encourage you to persevere. You are not fighting alone; the school, your teachers, and your classmates will all support you.

I hope every SFXS student will be resilient and embrace their dreams. Don’t be afraid of difficulties or failure; as long as you have perseverance and are willing to work hard, no matter where you start today, you can step by step reach your peak.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from Angela Duckworth:

“Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.” (Duckworth, 2016)

Everyone may have some talents or potential, but the key to success lies in how you utilize them, coupled with your perseverance and passion.

I wish everyone a brave pursuit of your dreams and resilient progress in the new academic year!

Reference Book:
Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.