Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Why passion and perseverance matter more than talent in the pursuit of excellence

Angela Duckworth

8 Key Insights

About This Book

Experience a transformative journey that will redefine your understanding of success by unpacking the true drivers of achievement: gritty determination and enduring purpose. Through lively real-world stories and research-backed strategies, learn why natural talent is vastly overrated and how building perseverance, passion, and resilience empowers you to outlast setbacks, master challenges, and thrive in any endeavor. Discover how people from all walks of life—students and teachers, athletes and artists, business professionals and parents—can develop grit, structure goals, and cultivate a sense of meaning that propels them to new heights.

About the Author

Angela Duckworth is a distinguished psychologist, MacArthur Fellow, and pioneering researcher whose work bridges motivational science, education, and real-world performance. From the classrooms of public schools to West Point's Beast Barracks and Olympic training pools, she has identified the vital mindset and practical habits that lead to lasting success. As the founder and CEO of Character Lab, Duckworth has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of grit and helping people of all ages flourish. Her unique blend of personal experience, academic rigor, and accessible storytelling has inspired millions to rethink what it takes to succeed.

Biggest Takeaway

Reading and applying these insights equips you to persevere through obstacles, recover from setbacks, and pursue your goals with focused passion. You'll gain practical methods to build habits of deliberate practice, clarify your long-term purpose, and foster supportive environments for growth—whether for yourself or those you lead and care about. Expect to see measurable improvements in your motivation, goal follow-through, and personal satisfaction, as well as the ability to inspire grit and tenacity in others. By mastering the science of grit, you can unlock higher levels of achievement, well-being, and fulfillment.