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Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
What if the secret to success isn’t talent, but the ability to keep going when it gets tough?
In Grit, Angela Duckworth dismantles the myth that talent alone leads to success. Instead, she reveals that perseverance, combined with long-term passion, is the true driver of achievement.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
What It Takes to Build Grit
1️⃣ Effort Outweighs Talent: Duckworth emphasizes that effort counts twice: it turns raw talent into skill and turns skill into achievement. Consistent hard work beats innate ability over the long term.
2️⃣ Cultivate Passion: Gritty people don’t just work hard—they love what they do. Finding and nurturing your passion is key to staying motivated over time.
3️⃣ Persevere Through Setbacks: Grit is about showing up, even when things get tough. Duckworth explains that resilience in the face of challenges is what separates high achievers from the rest.
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
The Unlikely Journey of a World-Class Chef
Angela Duckworth highlights the story of renowned chef Dominique Crenn, who defied the odds to become the first woman in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars. Without formal culinary training, Crenn faced countless rejections early in her career. Instead of giving up, she worked tirelessly, honing her skills and developing a unique artistic approach to food.
A QUOTE TO REMEMBER
Small Feats, Big Success
“Greatness is many, many individual feats, and each of them is doable.”
BOOK FACTS
Grit
Publication date: August 21, 2018
Print length: 368 pages
Listening length: 9:22
Ratings: 4.6 Amazon, 4.1 Goodreads
WATCH THE TED TALK
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
DID YOU KNOW?
The Science of Grit
Effort Outperforms Talent: Studies show that effort accounts for 60% of performance success, while talent accounts for just 40%. (Journal of Applied Psychology)
Passion Increases Longevity: Research indicates that people who pursue work they’re passionate about are 25% more likely to stick with their goals long-term. (American Psychological Association)
Resilience Builds Results: Individuals who bounce back quickly from setbacks are 30% more likely to achieve their goals. (Harvard Business Review)
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