Grit

Angela Duckworth · 2016

1. 01About the Author

   Angela Duckworth is an American psychologist and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Before becoming a researcher, she worked as a mathematics teacher in public schools, where she noticed that effort often mattered more than talent. She received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2013, and in 2016 published Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.

2. 02What Is Grit?

   Duckworth defines grit as passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. It is not about intensity for a few days, but about sticking with something for years. As a child, her father often told her she was no genius. Her research later showed that achievement depends much more on grit than on raw talent.

3. 03The West Point Study

   Duckworth studied new cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, who go through a tough summer training called Beast Barracks. Test scores and fitness did not best predict who would stay. Her short Grit Scale questionnaire did. Similar findings came from spelling bee contestants and salespeople: the grittiest persisted and succeeded.

4. 04Effort Counts Twice

   Duckworth offers two simple equations. Talent times effort equals skill. Skill times effort equals achievement. So effort counts twice. A person with less talent who works harder can overtake a more talented person who stops. She also explains deliberate practice: working on a clear goal just beyond your current ability, with full focus and quick feedback.

5. 05Growing Grit

   Grit can grow from the inside out: develop interest by exploring, practice daily, connect your work to a purpose beyond yourself, and keep hope, the belief that your efforts can improve your future. It can also grow from the outside in, through supportive parents, coaches and a gritty culture around you. Choose one thing that matters, and keep showing up. Slow progress is still progress.