Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is one of my favourite books simply because it puts into words everything I have truly believed and practised for a long time now; if you want to make it, you have to have grit.
Angela Duckworth defines grit as a unique combination of passion and persistence and explains why it’s crucial for success. The whole book follows her comprehensive study and research she conducted, including – her own experiences, people she met, stories of gritty people who achieved success, and so on. She even tells her own story that starts with her being a scientist’s daughter, who often noted her lack of genius, and goes on to show her now as a celebrated researcher and professor.
Duckworth gives us a clear, informative and entertaining explanation of grit; she also notes how important it is not only to develop it for ourselves but also to support it in others. The change she made with this book is seen mostly through the conclusion that society focuses too much on talent and potential, which is distracting. We need to simply switch our focus to hard work and long term perseverance. Effort always pays off. Developing certain virtues like modesty, kindness, and diligence creates a strong foundation for your success.
She even made a unique scale to measure grit by answering ten simple questions. Once you know the level of your grit, you can start working on it and improving yourself. One of the things that make this book so popular is definitely the fact that it is so relatable and reaches such a great number of people – it explains that just anyone can do it, regardless of their genius, or wherever they may be in life.
Among Grit’s most valuable insights:
- Why any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal
- How grit can be learned, regardless of IQ 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
I believe this book is a “must-read” for all entrepreneurs or anyone who just wants to make a change.
By Angela Duckworth, published 2016
My rating:
