Many people think the path to success is by natural talent, personal connections, systemic privileges, or just good fortune. But social scientists know there is more to this story. And one researcher in particular has found evidence of a singular quality in determining success.
Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has become perhaps the leading expert on the study of perseverance. Her 2007 article is one I often share with my college students, in which she describes the single most important factor in achievement is grit. Now she has expanded her findings into a new book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She defines grit as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, and this personal attribute is often the difference between those who are unsuccessful and successful, and between those who are successful and extremely successful.
For children in the National Spelling Bee, soldiers attempting to become Army Rangers or Navy SEALS, musicians trying to play in renowned symphonies, or anyone else pursuing physical and mental challenges, grit makes all the difference. Spelling champions aren’t necessarily smarter than other competitors. Elite soldiers aren’t necessarily stronger than other enlistees. Piano or violin masters were not born with more talent than other musicians. Simply put, success is most often found in those who are able to stick it out longer than anyone else. Such people are just more diligent in their pursuit of high standards.
Duckworth is clear that successful people certainly have some inherent aptitudes and environment (parenting, schools, opportunities, etc.) is an obvious factor in anyone’s development. But the evidence continues to demonstrate a trend, those who make it tend to be grittier. They are more open to trying new activities. They are less likely to quit when faced with failures. They are more focused on gradual improvement through concerted effort. And they are not only willing to put in the time (and pain) to accomplish a goal, they actually embrace the difficulty.
Grit can be taught, and anyone can become grittier, Duckworth says. It just takes some practice, guidance, and willingness to fail for a while. The book expands upon the famous work of K. Anders Eriksson and has echoes of other books, such as Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code, and Walter Mischel’s The Marshmallow Test. I recommend each of those works as well, but if you are looking for an all-encompassing text that is great for parents, students, and teachers alike, Grit is a great place to start. We constantly hear about “society” and “institutions” and other vague terms that seem to influence life outcomes. But as I’ve said many times on this site, the individual is the difference. You have the power to change your life, pursue your interests, and define your own success. You matter, and you are in control of your circumstances. You just have to use your grit. And this book has the research to prove it.
Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has become perhaps the leading expert on the study of perseverance. Her 2007 article is one I often share with my college students, in which she describes the single most important factor in achievement is grit. Now she has expanded her findings into a new book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She defines grit as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, and this personal attribute is often the difference between those who are unsuccessful and successful, and between those who are successful and extremely successful.
For children in the National Spelling Bee, soldiers attempting to become Army Rangers or Navy SEALS, musicians trying to play in renowned symphonies, or anyone else pursuing physical and mental challenges, grit makes all the difference. Spelling champions aren’t necessarily smarter than other competitors. Elite soldiers aren’t necessarily stronger than other enlistees. Piano or violin masters were not born with more talent than other musicians. Simply put, success is most often found in those who are able to stick it out longer than anyone else. Such people are just more diligent in their pursuit of high standards.
Duckworth is clear that successful people certainly have some inherent aptitudes and environment (parenting, schools, opportunities, etc.) is an obvious factor in anyone’s development. But the evidence continues to demonstrate a trend, those who make it tend to be grittier. They are more open to trying new activities. They are less likely to quit when faced with failures. They are more focused on gradual improvement through concerted effort. And they are not only willing to put in the time (and pain) to accomplish a goal, they actually embrace the difficulty.
Grit can be taught, and anyone can become grittier, Duckworth says. It just takes some practice, guidance, and willingness to fail for a while. The book expands upon the famous work of K. Anders Eriksson and has echoes of other books, such as Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code, and Walter Mischel’s The Marshmallow Test. I recommend each of those works as well, but if you are looking for an all-encompassing text that is great for parents, students, and teachers alike, Grit is a great place to start. We constantly hear about “society” and “institutions” and other vague terms that seem to influence life outcomes. But as I’ve said many times on this site, the individual is the difference. You have the power to change your life, pursue your interests, and define your own success. You matter, and you are in control of your circumstances. You just have to use your grit. And this book has the research to prove it.