What if success in school and work had less to do with intelligence and more to do with persistence? That is the argument put forward by Angela Lee Duckworth, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, in her widely discussed TED Talk. Duckworth’s research across military cadets, spelling bee contestants, and corporate employees revealed that IQ, good looks, or social skills were not the strongest predictors of achievement.
The surprising answer
Duckworth found that the defining quality was grit — passion and perseverance for long-term goals. “Grit is sticking with your future day in and day out, not just for the week or the month, but for years,” she explained in her talk. Students in Chicago public schools who scored higher on grit questionnaires were also more likely to graduate, even when compared with peers of similar backgrounds and test scores.
So how can grit be cultivated? Duckworth pointed to the concept of a “growth mindset,” pioneered by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. This is the belief that intelligence is not fixed but can grow through effort. “When kids learn about how the brain changes with challenge, they are more likely to persevere when they fail,” Duckworth said, highlighting that failure becomes a step, not a stop.
A nuanced view of achievement
Duckworth’s emphasis on grit has drawn global attention, sparking both enthusiasm and debate. While she acknowledges that environmental and socio-economic conditions are equally crucial, her work has pushed the conversation on success beyond traditional measures like IQ or test scores. “The question is not whether grit or structural barriers matter more,” she has said, “but that they are intertwined.”
In a world of rapid change, where careers are reshaped by technology and global pressures, Duckworth’s message resonates with students, professionals, and leaders alike: sustainable success is less about brilliance and more about resilience. The real challenge for education and workplaces may be figuring out how to nurture that quality in the next generation.
The surprising answer
Duckworth found that the defining quality was grit — passion and perseverance for long-term goals. “Grit is sticking with your future day in and day out, not just for the week or the month, but for years,” she explained in her talk. Students in Chicago public schools who scored higher on grit questionnaires were also more likely to graduate, even when compared with peers of similar backgrounds and test scores.
So how can grit be cultivated? Duckworth pointed to the concept of a “growth mindset,” pioneered by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. This is the belief that intelligence is not fixed but can grow through effort. “When kids learn about how the brain changes with challenge, they are more likely to persevere when they fail,” Duckworth said, highlighting that failure becomes a step, not a stop.
A nuanced view of achievement
Duckworth’s emphasis on grit has drawn global attention, sparking both enthusiasm and debate. While she acknowledges that environmental and socio-economic conditions are equally crucial, her work has pushed the conversation on success beyond traditional measures like IQ or test scores. “The question is not whether grit or structural barriers matter more,” she has said, “but that they are intertwined.”
In a world of rapid change, where careers are reshaped by technology and global pressures, Duckworth’s message resonates with students, professionals, and leaders alike: sustainable success is less about brilliance and more about resilience. The real challenge for education and workplaces may be figuring out how to nurture that quality in the next generation.
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