Talent is overrated - learn what truly makes you succeed
Angela Duckworth's seminal work on why passion and perseverance matter more than anything
Why do naturally talented people frequently fail to reach their potential while other far less gifted individuals go on to achieve amazing things? The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a passionate persistence. In other words, grit.
MacArthur Genius Award-winning psychologist Angela Duckworth shares fascinating new revelations about who succeeds in life and why. Based on her cutting-edge research, Duckworth shows how many people achieve remarkable things not just by relying on innate natural talent, but by practising what she calls grit. She then offers a Grit Formula to help anyone to become more gritty, focusing on six key factors: hope, effort, precision, passion, ritual and prioritisation. She reveals:
- Why people who test high for talent often fail to achieve their potential, and why people who do not test high for talent often "overachieve" what others expect them to do
- How grit can be learned, whatever your IQ or circumstances
- Why stubbornness is a key characteristic of gritty people
- When to be stubborn and when giving up is the grittiest thing you can do
- How gritty people found their passion, and you can find yours
- How gritty experts practise, and how you can do the same in your own life
- What the people who care about you can do to boost your grit when you need it most
- How grit is cultivated in the highest-performing sports teams, companies and schools
Leaping past clichés such as 'success is all about hard work', Grit offers a fresh and motivating way to climb to heights far beyond what natural talent would predict.
Unlock the key to success with the inspirational, multi-million-copy bestseller from the pioneering psychologist.
THE NO.1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
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'Persuasive and fascinating' Malcom Gladwell, bestselling author of Outliers
'This book will change your life.' Dan Heath, bestselling co-author of Made to Stick and Decisive
Why do some people achieve extraordinary results while others, who are just as talented, fall short?
In her acclaimed, multi-million-copy bestseller, Grit, award-winning psychologist Angela Duckworth takes us on an eye-opening journey to discover the true qualities that lead to success.
Using case studies from her own childhood upbringing to her extensive research studying the psychology of success in sports and business, Duckworth reveals that talent is not what makes humans more likely to succeed. Instead, it's a powerful combination of passion and perseverance - what she calls 'grit'.
Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world stories, Grit reveals:
- What 'grit' is and why it matters
- How grit can be learned, regardless of IQ or circumstances
- Why stubbornness is a key characteristic of gritty people
- How to develop lifelong purpose and passion
- And so much more
Personal, powerful, and empowering, Grit is the inspiring and practical guide that will show you how to develop the resilience, focus and determination needed to succeed.
Praise for GRIT:
'For anyone hoping to work smarter or live better, GRIT is an essential - and perhaps life-changing - read.' Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell is Human
'Impressively fresh and original' Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet
'With a mix of masterful storytelling and the latest science, she shows that perseverance and passion matter at least as much as talent and intelligence.' Arianna Huffington, bestselling author of Thrive
'Utterly captivating, inspiring and original... Once you pick up GRIT, you won't be able to tear yourself away.' Amy Cuddy, Harvard Business School professor and author of Presence
Discover Angela's new book, revealing the hidden power of situations - and how you can shape them to bring out your best. Situated by Angela Duckworth is out September 2026.
