In this instant New York Times bestseller, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed–be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people–that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her … frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Duckworth, now a celebrated researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.
In Grit, she takes readers into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers–from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll.
Among Grit’s most valuable insights:
*Why any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal
*How grit can be learned, regardless of I.Q. or circumstances
*How lifelong interest is triggered
*How much of optimal practice is suffering and how much ecstasy
*Which is better for your child–a warm embrace or high standards
*The magic of the Hard Thing Rule
Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that–not talent or luck–makes all the difference.more
A perfect read for the start of a new year. Find yourself dreaming your life away? If you want to stop dreaming and start doing, begin with GRIT by Angela Duckworth.
A wonderful book on persistence and dispelling the idea of talent.
A fascinating and highly readable study of success — and failure. What makes some of us stick to our dreams through trials, tribulations, and failures? What makes others of us just give up? How do we find our “purpose” if we’re not sure what it is? Duckworth asks all the right questions of all the write people, and the answers are riveting.
Our skills multiply in effectiveness with passion and enthusiasm.
Taking responsibility for maximizing our talents, i.e. choosing the right actions for a just cause, facilitates the realization of Self.
Inspiring book!
Grit is the key to long term performance and success. This book explains the concept of grit and how it impacts success. Good read.
Grit is so important to me that I’ve decided to save 50 of the important quotes found in the book. If you are interested, here’s the link: Angela Duckworth Quotes
I was inspired to buy the book after watching Angela’s TED talk on Grit. She seems extremely passionate about the topic and I was hooked by her enthusiasm. I had a high expectation for the book but when I read it the first time, I felt that the chapters were kinda repetitive. I did complete the book albeit I skipped the parenting chapter (not yet a parent myself). However, a few months later, I was back to reading Grit the 2nd time because I wanted to give up on a project that I didn’t want to let go… I needed some grit & inspiration. The 2nd time I read this book was so different from the first time – I guess it was because I was more open to learning the 2nd time. In short, I read this book 5 times now, this book is really that good. (I did not give up on that project – I grid through it and it turned out well).
If you find the quotes interesting, buy the book. If not, just watch the TED video.
There’s nothing better than a book on a fascinating, relevant topic by an expert in the field. This should be required reading for all teachers, coaches and parents. I learned so much about what grit is and why it’s so important for achievement. Duckworth also affirmed many of my parenting choices, most of which are made based on gut feeling rather than science. It’s nice to know I’m doing something right.
this is so inspiring and gritty to read. Its pages helps us find our true meaning about who we are.
Great book about what grit is and why it’s important. Motivational.
Another must for educators. This book will show you, teach you, and enlighten you on what is necessary to become exceptional. This book crosses over into business also but in the educational setting it is a must
Thought-provoking and eye-opening. Makes you wonder if you really understood what having grit really means.
Encouragement for success, regardless of your chosen field, this book is about the why behind success.
Hell, I’ve yet to read it, in its entirety but the premise is genius!
An interesting read, unfortunately flawed by examples that don’t fully support her thesis. Ultimately, I found this to be another example of bad modern science. It is based on using data to prove a preconceived premise instead of collecting and analyzing data, without bias, to prove or disprove a theory. Her ultimate conclusion, that we all need to simply try harder and with more focus, is both simplistic and potentially dangerous. Those very strategies are what seem to have created the epidemic of anxiety and burnout our culture currently grapples with. Read it, but don’t necessarily believe it.
I learned a lot about from this book and Angela’s research and insight. I did get confused in some of the book due to the complexity. Once I got through that Angela was able to help me understand that Grit is one of the most important characteristics that I can teach my kids.