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[quote=Anonymous]I fall into the category that you describe--hard work ethic, but not smart in the way you are using the word "smart."

I agree with other PPs that your DD sounds smart under a broader definition (I do not agree that you are being "awful."  LOL)

I started out at a junior college.  I worked my way into Harvard Law, with nobody to help me get there. So there's a little bit of data with regard to your initial question.

Once in law school, I was intimidated--I thought other people were there because they were smart, and I was just a hard worker.

Well some other people were there because they were "smart" under your definition (maybe had photographic memories,  or just really quick-minded), and some were there because daddy made a phone call…it took me until my 3rd year to realize that I belonged there as much as other people.

From there I went to a job--a little bit of a thinktank--where many of my colleagues were from my law school.  All were smart but in many different ways.

For me, my smarts are made up with the work ethic, the preparation for the event (whatever the event is, a test, a speech, etc.), and ability to analyze a situation and then come up with options, often out-of-the-box options, to solve problems.

I would not be a great litigator because I don't think on my feet well.  So if the opposition came out with some BS story, instead of immediately refuting it, I analyze it--which takes too long. However; this ability to sit back an analyze, (and also come up with unusual options), are strengths of their own and fall under the broader definition of "smart."

Your DD is a "grinder."  It can take her far.

Funny, I have two kids, one is a grinder and the other is whip-smart (takes after her dad).  I always assumed the whip-smart one would do well, but now they are older and the assignments are more complex; one can't just pop up a quick answer.  When given a long dragged out assignment, this kid takes shortcuts--she doesn't "grind" well.  I see for that one to do well, I'll need to teach her some techniques.  Lots of whip-smart people with no discipline out there--I think they tend to not fare too well compared with people of any stripe who have learned discipline.[/quote]

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