Introduction<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue Grit,\u201d is a 2010 American Western movie about a fourteen-year old girl, Mattie Ross,[1]<\/a> who hires a drunken US Mashal, Rooster Cogburn to pursue her father\u2019s murderer, Tom Chaney. Determined to see Chaney brought to justice, in two scenes, Mattie displays remarkable grit, such as when she crosses a river on horseback to catch up with the Marshal and raises the down payment through shrewd horse trading. Ultimately, Mattie shoots and kills Tom, demonstrating her perseverance and unwavering resolve. “Grit is having stamina; grit is sticking to your plan.\u201d[2]<\/a><\/p>\n The book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,\u201d by Angela Duckworth, defines grit as the combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals.[3]<\/a> Grit involves maintaining sustained effort and interest over years despite facing challenges, setbacks, and plateaus in progress. Duckworth emphasizes that gritty individuals are distinguished by their ability to stay committed to their objectives and consistently work hard, even when progress is slow or difficult. This concept highlights that success is more about enduring passion and persistent effort rather than innate talent alone.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n In her TED talk, Angela Duckworth shared that she transitioned from a management consulting role to become a seventh-grade math teacher in the New York City Public Schools. She later left her teaching career to pursue a path in psychology. Through her extensive research, she identified one key characteristic that emerged as a significant predictor of success: grit.[5]<\/a> Contrary to common assumptions, it was neither physical appearance nor high IQ that mattered most; rather, it was the combination of passion and perseverance that played a critical role in achieving success.<\/p>\n How gritty is Shela?<\/p>\n I answered the questions on page 55 and took the scale while reading chapter four to find out my \u201cgrittiness.\u201d I scored 4.5 overall.\u00a0 My passion score was 7.2 and my perseverance score was 0.8. How odd?[6]<\/a> Thus, Duckworth claimed that \u201cpassion and perseverance aren\u2019t exactly the same thing.\u201d[7] <\/a>Duckworth explained that passion and perseverance are related but distinct components of grit. Below is a summary as to why she claims passion and perseverance are not exactly the same:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Passion<\/em><\/p>\n Duckworth describes passion as the sustained, consistent interest in long-term goals. Passion involves a deep-seated interest and enthusiasm for a particular pursuit that remains constant over time.[8]<\/a> Passion is driven by a sense of purpose and a strong emotional attachment to what one is doing. It fuels the long-term commitment to an endeavor.[9]<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Perseverance<\/em><\/p>\n I find it challenging to fully grasp Duckworth\u2019s illustration of perseverance. On the topic of perseverance, I preferred the book \u201cThe Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life\u2019s Hurdles\u201d by Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatte.[10]<\/a> In summary, according to Duckworth, perseverance is about putting in the consistent effort, hard work, and dedication required to overcome challenges and obstacles. It is the relentless pursuit of improvement and mastery. It includes resilience and the ability to persist in the face of adversity, setbacks, and failures. It is about maintaining effort and focus, even when progress is slow or difficult.<\/p>\n Comparison<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Mindset: The New Psychology of Success\u201d by Carol S. Dweck.[11]<\/a>While not solely focused on perseverance, this book explores the concept of a growth mindset and how it can help individuals persist in the face of challenges and continue to improve.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Obstacles In Our Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph” by Ryan Holiday.\u201d[12]<\/a> This book draws on historical examples to illustrate how obstacles can be opportunities for growth and success. It encourages readers to embrace challenges and persevere through adversity.<\/p>\n Reviews<\/p>\n Takeaways<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/p>\n Scripture that aligns well with the themes of grit, passion, and perseverance in Angela Duckworth’s book is James 1:12, \u201cBlessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.\u201d[15]<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, and Matt Damon, True Grit<\/em>, directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (Paramount Pictures, 2010).<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Angela Duckworth, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” TED Talk, filmed May 9, 2013,<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance.<\/a><\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance<\/em> (New York: Scribner, 2016), 8.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Duckworth, 8.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Angela Duckworth, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” TED Talk, filmed May 9, 2013,<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance.<\/a><\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Duckworth, 55-57.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Duckworth, 57.<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Duckworth, 95.<\/p>\n [9]<\/a> Duckworth, 143-144.<\/p>\n [10]<\/a> Reivich, K., & Shatte, A. (2002). The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles. New York: Broadway Books.<\/p>\n [11]<\/a> Dweck, Carol S. \u201cMindset: The New Psychology of Success.\u201d Random House, 2006.<\/p>\n [12]<\/a> Holiday, Ryan. \u201c<\/strong>The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph.\u201d Portfolio, 2014.<\/p>\n [13]<\/a> The New York Times Book Review. \u201cThe review praises Duckworth’s ideas about the cultivation of tenacity, stating<\/p>\n that her concepts have positively impacted many readers.\u201d Last modified April 24, 2016. https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/book-review\/grit.<\/a><\/p>\n [14]<\/a> Tabletalk Magazine. \u201cThe review praises Duckworth’s research and insights but notes that the book’s focus on grit<\/p>\n might oversimplify the complex nature of success.\u201d July 15, 2016. https:\/\/tabletalkmagazine.com\/posts\/book-review-grit-by-angela-duckworth\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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