GRIT: THE POWER OF PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE
While September proved to be a busy month for the ADMIN team, we still managed to sink our teeth into a book that has been on our ‘to be read’ list for some time.
In business and in life, it can often be thought that in order to be successful, one needs to possess a gift. Angela Duckworth challenges this by stating it is not a natural ability that leads you to success. Rather, it is a combination of passion and long-term perseverance… also known as grit. Duckworth uses this book to examine multiple studies that back her claim as well as her own experience in life. The daughter of a scientist, Angela was often deemed to lack the “genius” needed to succeed by her family. If that is the case, how did this woman end up becoming an acclaimed researcher, professor, and author? As she states it, it was her grit.
Along with her exploration of how groups of people use their grit to succeed (young cadets, students, and those entering the workforce), Angela uses this book to illustrate what she believes are the four pillars that make up the passion people use to succeed: Interest, Practice, Purpose, and Hope. Angela also takes time to examine what makes some people feel encouraged to go after what they want (optimist), while others feel defeated before they even try (pessimist). Her studies on the topic are eye opening and truly encouraged our team to understand that with passion, there is a way.
Overall, this book is one of our favorites from the ones we have read this year. Reading Angela’s take on what really creates success leaves you inspired and wanting to work hard at your own bucket list. Her stories and those that she shares in the book are proof that if you want to achieve, you have to show a little grit.
To see more from Angela Duckworth, check out her TEDTalk on ‘The Call To Courage’ below.
Looking for more book recommendations? You can find even more reviews from ADMIN Partners here!