Grit

The Power of Passion and Perseverance

by Angela Duckworth

4.6(19,544 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book explores why passion and perseverance matter more than raw talent. Through stories of high achievers and rigorous research findings, it reveals how consistent long-term goals and unwavering effort lead to remarkable success. Readers will discover that developing and sustaining grit can transform the pursuit of excellence in any field.

Introduction

Why do some people keep going when others give up? This opening question sets the stage: grit is about showing up consistently, even when life throws detours. Imagine a cadet enduring a tough military boot camp or a parent juggling multiple responsibilities—both rely on grit to press forward.

In these pages, we see how an unwavering sense of purpose, paired with the determination to improve, can help individuals achieve truly incredible things. The ability to adapt after a failure—rather than shrink or quit—builds a type of fierce clarity about what really matters.

We begin with a key observation: past achievements are no sure sign of future perseverance. Raw brilliance alone does not predict who will succeed. True grit involves taking your enthusiasm, nurturing it over time, and sustaining it through both triumphs and setbacks.

What often separates extraordinary performers from the rest is how they respond when things get tough.

The Nature of Grit

Grit is composed of two essential ingredients: passion and perseverance. Passion is the long-term focus on a particular interest or life mission, while perseverance is the capacity to push through obstacles. When blended, these traits create an unshakable commitment to purposeful, ongoing effort.

Research shows that people often assume talent automatically predicts success. But time and again, those who only rely on being 'naturals' falter at the first sign of adversity. Meanwhile, gritty individuals remain enthusiastic, chipping away at challenges with an attitude that trials are just stepping stones to mastery.

Stories from military academies demonstrate that even recruits with stellar test scores may drop out if they lack perseverance. By contrast, cadets with lower scores but a fierce resolve stand a better chance of finishing the journey. The difference is the willingness to do the hard work day after day.

"Success often goes to the person who is willing to show up and keep putting in the time—even on the hardest days."

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What is Grit about?

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth is a profound exploration of why passion and persistence can outshine sheer raw talent. By weaving together captivating real-life stories with empirical research, Duckworth exposes the driving force behind exceptional achievement—grit. It's the consistent pursuit of long-term goals coupled with unyielding effort that propels individuals to greatness, irrespective of initial talent levels.

In this insightful work, Duckworth uncovers the transformative potential of grit in unlocking personal excellence. Readers are introduced to inspiring accounts of high achievers across various fields and detailed research that debunk the myth that talent alone dictates success. "Grit" teaches that sustaining commitment to goals, putting in deliberate practice, and overcoming inevitable setbacks are key components of lasting success.

Duckworth's book is more than just a theory; it provides practical strategies to cultivate grit in oneself and others, whether at home, in the workplace, or in educational settings. The profound impact of such resilience is life-altering, not just for individuals but also for parents and leaders looking to instill grit as a part of their culture.

Review of Grit

Angela Duckworth's Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is a riveting examination of what truly propels individuals to achieve extraordinary levels of success. Drawing on a rich pool of interviews and scientific data, Duckworth threads a compelling narrative that distinguishes this book from others in the motivational genre.

A central strength of "Grit" lies in its ability to translate the abstract concept of perseverance into tangible, actionable steps. Duckworth outlines how readers can develop their grit, starting with uncovering long-term personal interests, committing to deliberate practice, and building an optimistic, forward-thinking mindset. The book artfully dispels the notion that enormous talent alone governs success.

Duckworth's writing is both engaging and accessible, ensuring readers from all walks of life, whether students or CEOs, find valuable insights within. Her conversational tone combined with solid evidence-based lessons make "Grit" a pioneering guide for anyone aspiring to cultivate resilience. Strongly recommended for those committed to advancing their personal and professional lives.

Who should read Grit?

Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Gain the perseverance required to navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a business effectively.
Educators and Parents: Discover actionable strategies to foster grit and resilience in students and children, promoting their long-term success.
Professionals in Career Transitions: Equip yourself with strategies to transform existing skills and competencies, enhancing adaptability and confidence.
Personal Development Enthusiasts: Enrich your toolkit with practical methods to develop persistence and align your passion with productivity.
Community and Team Leaders: Learn ways to fuel grit in organizational settings, crafting a culture of continuous improvement and mutual support.

About the author

Angela Duckworth is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She received a B.A. in Neurobiology from Harvard in 1992 and, as a Marshall Scholar, a Master's in Neuroscience from Oxford, before completing her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. A 2013 MacArthur Fellow, she has studied non-IQ competencies, including self-control and grit, which predict success both academically and professionally, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Her work has spanned various populations, including West Point cadets, National Spelling Bee finalists, and students, and she is also known for co-founding Character Lab and hosting the podcast "No Stupid Questions".