“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth -this is one of my favorite books. I’ve listened to the audiobook version narrated by the author herself as well as read the book. Whichever version you choose, it’s definitely one for your bookshelf so please do consider purchasing the book if you found the summary below helpful.
Key Concepts
Defining Grit: Grit is a fusion of passion and perseverance. It’s about being resilient and hardworking, but it’s also about knowing deeply what you want and pursuing it relentlessly despite setbacks.
Grit vs. Talent: Duckworth argues that grit often matters more than talent. Talent gives us the potential to excel, but grit allows us to make the most of that potential.
Growing Grit from the Inside Out: We can cultivate grit internally by developing interests, practicing deliberately, cultivating a purpose, and maintaining a growth mindset.
Growing Grit from the Outside In: Grit can also be influenced externally, such as through parenting, mentorship, or the culture of a community or organization.
Grit by Angela Duckworth is an exploration of the driving force behind successful people. It isn’t genius, talent, or luck that brings them to the top. Instead, it’s something Duckworth calls “grit,” a blend of passion and perseverance that keeps individuals going when others might give up. It’s a refreshing take on achievement and success that gives us all hope—where we lack in natural talent, we can make up for with effort and determination. Here are some key insights from the book.
The Power of Grit
In a world that often celebrates talent and inherent abilities, Duckworth emphasizes the importance of grit. She writes, “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” This quote sums up her view that while many people might start a project or task with excitement, it’s only those with grit—those who stick with it through the difficulties—who ultimately succeed. She challenges the age-old notion of “genius” and highlights that relentless effort can outdo talent.
In Duckworth’s words, “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” This captures the essence of grit; it’s about stamina and the ability to sustain effort towards long-term goals. She explains that it’s not about high-intensity, fleeting bursts of effort, but instead, it’s about a consistent, disciplined, and determined effort, despite the inevitable obstacles and setbacks that arise.
At the heart of Duckworth’s idea of grit is the belief that success isn’t necessarily about being the smartest or the most gifted. Instead, it’s about being persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, and having an unwavering commitment to your goals. As she quotes, “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.”
In essence, the power of grit as defined by Duckworth is the marriage of relentless determination (perseverance) and deep, enduring passion for a long-term goal. This fusion enables individuals to surpass their perceived limitations, making them capable of achieving more than they ever imagined.
Examples of grit in action
The author uses a variety of examples from different walks of life to demonstrate the power of grit. One compelling example is from her study of West Point Military Academy, where she developed the ‘Grit Scale’ to predict which cadets would stay the course. Surprisingly, the grit score was a better determinant of success than traditional markers such as standardized test scores or physical fitness.
Duckworth further explores this concept by sharing stories from various high-achievers—athletes, business people, scholars—all of whom credit their success not to innate talent, but to their relentless perseverance and deep-seated passion. These narratives suggest that grit can be more valuable than raw talent when it comes to achieving long-term goals.
Passion: The Fuel for Grit
At the heart of grit is a burning passion for what you do. Duckworth explains, “Passion for your work is a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development, and then a lifetime of deepening.” Here, she highlights that passion isn’t something you just stumble upon—it needs to be discovered, nurtured, and deepened over time. It’s this passion that gives us the resilience and drive to persevere in the face of adversity and is a key component of grit.
According to Duckworth, passion is a key component of grit. It’s not enough to simply be doggedly persistent; that persistence must be fueled by a genuine and deep-seated passion for what one is pursuing. This passion is what helps sustain the perseverance necessary for true grit.
Duckworth states, “Passion for your work is a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development, and then a lifetime of deepening.” This suggests that passion isn’t something you suddenly stumble upon; it’s a slow burn, something that grows and evolves over time. Initially, it might start as a spark of interest, then gradually, with dedication and practice, that interest evolves into a deep passion.
Passion drives purpose
Passion, in Duckworth’s perspective, gives our efforts a sense of purpose and meaning. It’s the thing that pulls us towards our goals, the internal flame that keeps us motivated even when the going gets tough. When we are passionate about what we do, we are willing to endure hardships, setbacks, and failures because we love and care about our work.
Duckworth emphasizes the importance of aligning our efforts with our interests. She urges us to discover and foster what truly interests us and then direct our persistent efforts towards it. Once that passion is there, it’s like a constant energy source, fuelling our grit and helping us to keep going when the path is steep and rocky.
To highlight the connection between passion and grit, Duckworth shares several anecdotes and case studies. For example, she shares the story of a journalist who initially explored various topics but ultimately found his passion in political reporting. His deep passion for this niche enabled him to work persistently and make significant contributions to his field.
In conclusion, Duckworth presents passion as a critical ingredient for grit. It’s the driving force that keeps us invested in the marathon of life. It’s what keeps us going, pushing us to persist and strive even in the face of challenges and setbacks. As Duckworth wisely states, “Interest blossoms into passion when, over time, you find the work is personally meaningful to you.”
Perseverance: The Sustaining Force
Perseverance, the other essential element of grit, is all about staying committed despite challenges. “Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality,” Duckworth writes. This clarifies that grit isn’t about short bursts of effort but maintaining the stamina to keep going over the long haul.
Perseverance is the other half of the equation for grit according to Angela Duckworth. It’s the engine that keeps us moving forward, pushing through challenges, and staying on course even when progress seems slow or setbacks are numerous.
Duckworth quotes, “Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.” This underlines her belief in the role of long-term commitment and unflagging determination, the hallmark of true perseverance.
A marathon, not a sprint
Duckworth insists that life resembles a marathon more than a sprint, and those who sustain their pace, who persist when exhaustion hits and giving up tempts, are the ones who eventually attain their goals. Put differently, she emphasizes that success doesn’t come from transient spurts of effort, but from steady, continuous exertion—through perseverance.
She elaborates that perseverance goes beyond mere hard work. Yes, it involves relentless striving towards a goal, but it also encompasses rising each time you take a fall. It encapsulates resilience amid failure or disappointment, refusing to let setbacks dishearten you, but rather treating them as lessons for adaptation and enhancement.
To drive home her point, she brings real-life examples to the forefront, like the narrative of Pete Carroll, the commanding coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll, despite bearing the brunt of early career dismissals twice, didn’t waver in his pursuit. He persevered, ultimately steering the Seahawks to a Super Bowl triumph. His tale effectively highlights the potency of perseverance in realizing long-haul objectives.
In essence, Duckworth presents perseverance as an essential element of grit. It’s not just about having the passion for something, but also the determination and the tenacity to stick with it over the long haul. She firmly believes that our ability to persevere, to remain steadfast in our commitment to our goals, is a critical determinant of our success in any endeavor.
Effort Counts Twice
Duckworth introduces an intriguing formula: Talent x Effort = Skill, and Skill x Effort = Achievement. In other words, effort counts twice in the process of achieving a goal. This principle is crucial as it demystifies the path to success, making it accessible to everyone, not just those with innate talents. Duckworth explains, “With effort, talent becomes skill and, at the very same time, effort makes skill productive.”
The concept of “Effort Counts Twice” is a cornerstone of Duckworth’s “Grit”. She asserts that effort plays a dual role in the achievement of our goals: first, in the development of our skills, and second, in the application of those skills to realize our ambitions.
The formula she proposes is simple but powerful: “Talent x Effort = Skill. Skill x Effort = Achievement.” This equation underlines the significance of effort at both stages of the process.
Initially, talent – what we’re naturally good at – multiplied by effort gives us skill. For instance, you might have a knack for music, but without effort—without hours of practice and study—this talent alone isn’t enough to make you a skilled musician. Effort transforms raw talent into a refined skill.
But the equation doesn’t end there. Once we’ve developed a skill, effort comes into play again. Now, our developed skill, when coupled with effort, results in achievement. Our skilled musician, no matter how talented, will never compose a symphony, or headline a concert without putting in the effort to create music and share it with the world.
Talent is nothing without effort
In Duckworth’s words: “Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn’t.” These quotes clearly underline the crucial role of effort in translating both talent and skill into actual achievements.
Duckworth uses various examples to illustrate this principle, such as the countless hours the Beatles spent playing in Hamburg before they became an international sensation, or how world-class swimmers train intensely, not just for months, but for years to shave milliseconds off their time. These examples reinforce the idea that effort truly does count twice in the pursuit of our goals.
In essence, the “Effort Counts Twice” theory is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. It demonstrates that while talent is important, it is the effort we put into developing and applying our skills that ultimately leads to achievement. It is this effort that fuels our progress and moves us closer to our goals, proving the saying that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Grit Grows
An encouraging concept Duckworth introduces is that grit isn’t fixed; it can grow. She explains, “The urge to quit, give up, or change goals is human and natural, and part of the same growth processes that gradually make us into who we are.” By recognizing that grit can be developed, Duckworth opens up a new world of possibilities for those who may feel disheartened by their current level of grittiness. It’s never too late to cultivate more.
“Grit Grows” is a very hopeful and empowering part of Duckworth’s theory, suggesting that grit is not a fixed trait but a quality that can be cultivated over time. This counters the notion that success is only for those with innate talent or those who are naturally hardworking.
Duckworth presents the “Four Psychological Assets of Grit”, which are interest, practice, purpose, and hope. All of these factors are interrelated and contribute to the growth of grit.
Interest is about finding something that fascinates you, something you love doing. This is the starting point of grit. Duckworth emphasizes the importance of exploration and patience in discovering what truly captivates us.
Deliberate practice
Practice is about the commitment to continuously improve. Duckworth writes, “Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it.” She explores the concept of “deliberate practice” which involves focused, full-effort, repetitive practice with the goal of gradual improvement.
Purpose is about having a bigger reason or cause that connects your interest to the well-being of others. It’s the intention to contribute to the world, which adds meaning to our work. Duckworth cites studies suggesting that people who are able to tie their work to a greater purpose tend to be grittier.
Hope is about maintaining a positive view of the future and the belief that our efforts can improve our future. Duckworth emphasizes that this is not about blind optimism but about believing that we have the power to make things better.
Duckworth also provides practical advice on cultivating these assets. For instance, she suggests that parents and educators can encourage grit in children by modeling it themselves and creating a culture of grit at home or in school. She discusses the concept of a “growth mindset”, introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, as a tool for fostering hope and the belief in one’s ability to grow.
The key takeaway from “Grit Grows” is that no matter where we start, we have the capacity to develop greater levels of grit. It’s a combination of finding and fostering our passion, committing to relentless practice, aligning our work with a greater purpose, and holding on to the belief that our efforts do make a difference. With time, patience, and effort, our grit can and does grow.
The Gritty Culture
Duckworth also discusses the impact of culture on shaping grit. She posits, “The culture we belong to, and the legacies passed down from our ancestors, shape the way we see the world and, in turn, the way we behave.” Hence, fostering a “gritty culture” at home, in workplaces, and in society can encourage perseverance and passion, thereby promoting the growth of grit.
In the section on “The Gritty Culture”, Duckworth explores the profound influence of the communities and cultures in which we live and work on our own levels of grit. She contends that the environments we inhabit can foster or hinder the development of our passion and perseverance.
Duckworth cites a variety of examples to illustrate this point, ranging from educational institutions, sports teams, and professional organizations, to even whole nations. One such example she provides is that of the high-performing KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools, where a culture of grit is intentionally cultivated, making the schools’ motto, “Work hard. Be nice.” an everyday reality.
She emphasizes that gritty cultures are characterized by high expectations and a shared belief in the value of hard work and resilience. They encourage their members to push past their comfort zones, persevere in the face of setbacks, and strive for constant improvement.
Moreover, Duckworth provides evidence suggesting that humans are inherently social creatures who adapt to the norms and values of their environments. As a result, we can ‘catch’ the grit of those around us, making a gritty culture a powerful tool for increasing our own grit.
A word of caution
However, Duckworth also warns against mindless conformity to a gritty culture, cautioning that it can lead to burnout or losing sight of personal passions and values. She advocates for a balance between adapting to a gritty culture and staying true to oneself, suggesting that the most productive forms of grit are those that align with our individual passions and purposes.
In essence, “The Gritty Culture” reflects the idea that while grit is a personal trait, it can be strongly influenced by the environments we operate within. As such, cultivating a culture that values perseverance and passion can be an effective way to foster grit on a collective level.
Conclusion
In the concluding section of her book, “Grit”, Angela Duckworth reaffirms the core themes that she’s expounded throughout her work: passion and perseverance – the essence of grit – are fundamental keys to achieving long-term goals.
Duckworth emphasizes that grit isn’t a trait confined to the exceptional few. It’s a quality each of us can cultivate and grow within ourselves. She reminds us, “Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it.” This quote summarizes the main essence of the book: the unwavering determination to follow our passion and persistently work towards our goals is what defines grit.
In her final remarks, Duckworth nudges readers towards embracing their own capacity for grit, urging them to be passionate and perseverant about their long-term goals. “It’s not just about the hours we put in, but what we put into those hours”, she notes, emphasizing the importance of not just working hard, but working persistently on areas aligned with our passions.
Duckworth leaves readers with the encouragement that grit can be cultivated, that it’s never too late to start, and that the journey of developing grit is a marathon and not a sprint. It’s about steady and persistent effort towards the things we’re passionate about.
Through her conclusion, Duckworth inspires hope and conviction in the readers that they, too, can develop the grit necessary to reach their most ambitious goals. Ultimately, “Grit” is a powerful narrative about the power of resilience, passion, and unyielding perseverance, encouraging everyone to unlock their potential and reach for the stars.
Don’t forget to check out our own book “Unbroken: Navigating Life’s Highs and Lows with Resilience and Grit”