Grit
by Angela Duckworth
Duckworth's research on passion plus perseverance as predictors of achievement, told through cadets, spelling-bee champions and her own family. She is careful about what grit explains and what it does not, and the chapters on developing interest, practice, purpose and hope are practical. The concept has been debated; the book is better than the hype.
Read it if…
you want to understand sustained effort and how to grow it in yourself or your children.
Skip it if…
you expect a clear program; the book is research narrative with advice at the end.
Three things you will actually use
- Align low-level goals to one high-level purpose.
- Practice deliberately on weaknesses, not just effort.
- Model grit at home: hard thing rule, finish the season.
Do this first
Write your 'top-level goal' and check whether your daily goals actually feed it.
Our verdict
Thoughtful, balanced and useful; a research book that respects its reader.
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The Tools
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