Passion and steadfast determination: Insights on Angela Duckworth's concept of 'Grit'
In her best-selling book, 'Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance', psychologist Angela Duckworth offers practical strategies for fostering grit in educational settings and workplaces.
Duckworth defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance, arguing that it's more crucial than talent or IQ in predicting success. She believes that to be gritty, one must focus on improving weaknesses repeatedly, often for hours a day.
The book is divided into three sections: what grit is, growing grit from the inside out, and growing grit from the outside in. It features interviews with high achievers from various fields to illustrate how grit develops.
Duckworth discusses the malleability of our skills, highlighting that modern science shows our brains continue to grow and change with daily experience. She emphasizes the importance of a 'growth mindset', valuing effort over innate ability.
The author also introduces the concept of 'deliberate practice' and its importance in skill development. Gritty people, she explains, are focused on high-level pursuits but flexible on low-level goals. They seek feedback and improvement, even in the face of setbacks or rejection.
Jeff Bezos, in the book, states that if you're not passionate about what you're working on, you won't be able to stick with it. Duckworth found that grittier individuals are more motivated to lead a purposeful, other-centered life.
Angela Duckworth, a 2013 MacArthur Fellow, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder and CEO of Character Lab, has advised various organizations, including the World Bank, NBA and NFL teams, and Fortune 500 CEOs.
Interestingly, in German, a 'gritziger Mensch' is a person who is lively, spirited, and often a bit cheeky or witty. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the critical role of grit in achieving long-term goals.
Lastly, Duckworth emphasizes that even those who are gritty have tasks they dislike, but they are still captivated by the overall endeavor. She suggests that learning to stick with something is a life skill that needs to be developed.
'Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance' is an insightful exploration into the mindset and habits of successful individuals, offering valuable insights for parents, teachers, and individuals striving for success.
