“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”

In Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, psychologist Angela Duckworth uncovers one of the most compelling predictors of long-term success — not talent, intelligence, or luck, but grit. Through groundbreaking research and inspiring real-world examples, Duckworth shows how passion and sustained effort can be far more powerful than innate ability when it comes to achieving extraordinary results.

 

In this episode, we explore Duckworth’s core framework for understanding grit — the blend of perseverance and passion that drives people to pursue long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks. We discuss how grit can be developed through mindset, discipline, and purpose, and how leaders, educators, and individuals alike can use it to unlock potential. The episode also dives into the link between grit and motivation, revealing how commitment to meaningful work creates lasting drive.

 

Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career advancement, or organisational success, Grit offers a refreshing reminder that resilience and consistency often matter more than talent alone. This episode will inspire you to stay committed, embrace challenge, and see perseverance as the true path to mastery.

Episode 16 - Grit
 By Angela Duckworth

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About the Author

Angela Duckworth is a psychologist, researcher, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, best known for her pioneering work on grit and self-control. A MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, she has dedicated her career to understanding what drives human achievement. Before academia, Duckworth worked as a teacher, management consultant, and non-profit founder, experiences that shaped her belief in effort over innate ability. Her bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has inspired educators, leaders, and organisations worldwide to cultivate resilience and long-term motivation. Today, she continues her mission to help people thrive through her research and the non-profit organisation Character Lab, which supports the science of character development.

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“A deeply researched and inspiring exploration of what drives success — Grit proves that persistence beats perfection.” — The Guardian

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