Grit

About the Author

Angela Duckworth is a distinguished psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific insights that help children thrive. Duckworth's research focuses on the concepts of grit and self-control, exploring how these traits contribute to success and achievement. In 2013, she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "genius grant." Duckworth has also advised major organizations, including the World Bank, NBA and NFL teams, and Fortune 500 CEOs. Her book, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," quickly became a New York Times bestseller, solidifying her as a leading voice in psychology and education.

Main Idea

"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth explores the concept of grit as a critical factor in achieving long-term goals. Duckworth defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance, asserting that these qualities are more important than talent in determining success. Through extensive research and compelling real-life examples, Duckworth demonstrates that grit can be developed and nurtured, both through internal motivation and external influences. The book provides a roadmap for cultivating grit, highlighting its importance in various domains, including education, sports, business, and the arts.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Grit - The Key to Success
• What Grit Is and Why It Matters
• Effort Counts Twice
• How Gritty Are You?
• Growing Grit from the Inside Out
• Growing Grit from the Outside In
• Parenting for Grit
• The Playing Fields of Grit
• Conclusion: Grit - The Final Frontier

What Grit Is and Why It Matters

Duckworth begins by defining grit as a sustained commitment to long-term goals, characterized by passion and perseverance. She explains that grit is not just about working hard but also about maintaining a consistent interest and effort toward a goal over extended periods. Duckworth's research indicates that individuals who exhibit high levels of grit are more likely to achieve success in their chosen fields, regardless of their initial talent levels.

"In sum, no matter the domain, the highly successful had a kind of ferocious determination that played out in two ways. First, they were unusually resilient and hardworking. Second, they knew in a very, very deep way what they wanted. They not only had determination, they had direction." — Angela Duckworth

Through various case studies and examples, Duckworth illustrates that grit is a crucial predictor of success. She explores how people with grit are able to persist in the face of adversity, maintain their focus, and continue to pursue their goals even when progress is slow. This chapter underscores the idea that grit is a more reliable predictor of success than talent, which often leads to complacency when not paired with sustained effort.