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226 Angela Duckworth: Grit

Success is not just talent, but also perseverance and passion; grit is the key to achieving long-term goals.

Angela Duckworth: Grit

Summary

In Grit, Angela Duckworth challenges the notion that success is primarily based on talent or intelligence. Instead, she argues that grit, defined as a combination of passion and perseverance, is a critical factor in achieving long-term goals and overcoming adversity. Drawing on research from psychology, education, and sports, Duckworth explores the characteristics and habits of gritty individuals, and offers practical advice for cultivating grit in oneself and others.

About

Title: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Author: Angela Duckworth

Publishing Year: 2016

Publisher: Scribner

Length in Hours: 9 hours and 22 minutes

5 main ideas

  1. Grit is the key to achieving long-term goals, and is characterized by passion, perseverance, and resilience in the face of obstacles.
  2. Talent and intelligence are not sufficient for success; grit is equally important in achieving one's full potential.
  3. Grit can be developed and cultivated through deliberate practice, positive self-talk, and a growth mindset.
  4. The cultivation of grit in schools, workplaces, and other organizations can lead to greater success and achievement.
  5. The importance of grit extends beyond individual success, and can contribute to a more resilient and successful society as a whole.
Angela Duckworth: Grit

5 funny quotes

  1. "Grit is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets."
  2. "Success is like a recipe; it requires a blend of talent, hard work, and a dash of luck."
  3. "Perseverance is like a marathon; it's not about how fast you run, but how long you can keep going."
  4. "Passion is like a flame; it can burn brightly or flicker out, depending on how much fuel you give it."
  5. "Grit is like a superhero power; it can help you overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams."

5 thought-provoking quotes​

  1. "Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint."
  2. "Talent is how quickly your skills improve when you invest effort. Achievement is what happens when you take your acquired skills and use them to add value to the world."
  3. "Grit is not just about working incredibly hard; it's also about knowing when to quit, and when to persevere."
  4. "The best way to develop grit is to find a passion that ignites your soul, and pursue it relentlessly."
  5. "Gritty people don't just weather the storm; they learn to dance in the rain."

5 dilemmas

  1. Balancing the importance of passion and perseverance; while both are critical to success, it can be challenging to maintain passion over the long term.
  2. Addressing the tension between the cultivation of grit and the desire to create a more balanced and less stressful society.
  3. Balancing the importance of grit and character development with academic achievement in schools and educational systems.
  4. Addressing the potential for grit to become a form of perfectionism or workaholism, and the importance of self-care and balance.
  5. Balancing the desire for grit and perseverance with the need to recognize and address systemic barriers to success, such as poverty and discrimination.

5 examples

  1. Pete Carroll, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who emphasizes the importance of grit and resilience in his coaching philosophy.
  2. The KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) charter schools, which prioritize the cultivation of grit and character in their students as well as academic achievement.
  3. Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, who emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and persistence in achieving success.
  4. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which emphasizes the development of grit and resilience in its cadets.
  5. Thomas Edison, the inventor who famously stated, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration," exemplifying the importance of grit and perseverance in achieving success.

Referenced books

  1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
  2. "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell
  3. "The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How." by Daniel Coyle
  4. "Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool
  5. "The Psychology of Hope: You Can Get Here from There" by C.R. Snyder

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"Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint."

Angela Duckworth: Grit
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