The Expression Hub

Author: Angela Duckworth

Genre: Psychology/ Self-help book

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”

-Samuel Jackson

There used to be a time when I used to hate the genre of non-fiction because I used to find it long and boring. But, nowadays, I have started enjoying them which is quite a surprise for me as well. I think the reason behind this might be that it provides valuable insights as well as facts written by the author of the book. Also, it contains great substance in it especially when it comes to knowledge maybe that might also be another reason why I might have started exploring this genre further. Apart from that, maybe some authors do write or present their points in an interesting manner is what makes a book in this category interesting. I came across one such interesting read recently which was later converted into a TED talk as well and which supposedly is also one of my favorite talks. The author of the book is an American academic, psychologist and a science author who also teaches in the University of Pennsylvania.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is a book written by Angela Duckworth which tries to explore the role of grit in human success and achievement. Some people do become successful because of talent and some by intelligent but not all people achieve success by those parameters. Most people become successful because they put in the work which is required consistently. Talent according to Angela is a starting point but it is effort that transforms potential into a tangible skill.This means that anyone who is willing to dedicate themselves to a long term goal can be a successful person as this person is pursuing excellence.

She further writes that passion is not something which is temporary. Rather it is a deep, enduring interest in a particular goal or pursuit. It is the ability to maintain focus and commitment over extended periods, to find meaning and purpose in the daily grind.Also, perseverance, the other crucial component of grit is the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and setbacks and is the resilience to bounce back from failures, learn from mistakes and push forward despite the challenges. When these two factors come into play with one another, they create a powerful combination that fuels sustained effort and leads to exceptional achievement.

The book draws heavily from the author’s experiences and research about what were the factors that truly drive achievement. Her research included studies of West Point cadets, National spelling bee finalists and top-performing salespeople which highlighted the importance of grit.

It also states that people who possess a growth mindset are more likely to possess grit and achieve their goals. Besides, it also offers practical insights into how the quality of grit can be developed.

Analysis: This book explores a crucial psychological trait meticulously. The book has a lot of research which provides compelling evidence for the importance of grit. The author makes it a point to explain complex psychological concepts into simple language which does not make the book a bore. It reinforces the concept that abilities can be developed through hard-work and dedication.However there might be some points which might make it a critical piece of literature. Like for instance, she advocates the concept of a grit scale, which is supposed to be a measure of the grit a person possess. But grit is a trait that cannot be measured in quantity. Also, there might be factors which can affect a person’s grit. This is not taken into account.

However, the book has created a change as it prompts educators to focus more on character development along with academic achievement. This book also has helped develop business leaders to build resilient and high-performing teams. It also has highlighted the importance of perseverance in a culture that prioritizes instant gratification.

Cite Bite: “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.”

Que: What is grit all about?

a. Being stubborn

b. Being persistent

c. Pursuing the right goals

d. Living a life to please others.