Grit

The Power of Passion and Perseverance

By: Angela Duckworth

Narrated by: Angela Duckworth

In this instant New York Times bestseller, Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” “Inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere” (People).

The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.

In Grit, she takes us into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll.

“Duckworth’s ideas about the cultivation of tenacity have clearly changed some lives for the better” (The New York Times Book Review). Among Grit’s most valuable insights: any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal; grit can be learned, regardless of IQ or circumstances; when it comes to child-rearing, neither a warm embrace nor high standards will work by themselves; how to trigger lifelong interest; the magic of the Hard Thing Rule; and so much more. Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference. This is “a fascinating tour of the psychological research on success” (The Wall Street Journal).

Compelling call to a gritty life!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Duckworth explores the subject of being gritty so throughly, and in such a factual and genuine way, that it inspired me to be even more persistent about my passions.

Solid fact based info

Very good book over all. Although it would have been nice to have more how to information on how to implement more grit in your life. Although I understand that may not have been the intent of the book.

Great read for parents, employers and anyone looking to understand motivation

Good use of research and stories to tie concepts together. I've referenced it daily in conversations.

Loved every bit

This book sold the idea of becoming grottier to me and why its important for me to encourage grit in my children. inspiring anecdotes. Worth my time to listen and learn.

Great book that uncovers the essence of grit

Where does Grit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

pretty high

What did you like best about this story?

all the research stories of people and how they put forth such tremendous efforts.

What does Angela Duckworth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Here experience researching the subject is extensive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Inspired me

Any additional comments?

This is a good book. Summarizes a lot of behaviors and psychology of high achievers and what they do that can improve chances of success.