The Hook
Grit and perseverance psychology
About This Conversation
"You are no genius" was a line often quoted to young Dr. Angela Duckworth, NYT's bestselling author of "Grit" and professor of psychology at Pennsylvania University. With this depressing phrase reverberating in her mind, Dr. Duckworth attacked her work. She knew that, if that line was true and she really wasn't the smartest kid in her class, she was going to have to get by on blood, sweat, and tears. After much exploration, Dr. Duckworth finally found her passion in studying the science behind "grit," which is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. She began to investigate the very fuel that had propelled her to her current position. This work awarded her a MacArthur "genius" grant. Dr. Angela Duckworth had not only fallen in love with a fascinating field of research, but she had also proven she was truly a genius. If she had known this from the beginning, would she have worked so hard? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, there is no doubt that her determination was her engine. Join us as we talked to Dr. Duckworth about the fuel of her fire, grit, and how to develop it.
Recurring Questions
Recurring Question
"What books have had an impact on you?"
For Young Listeners
"What advice do you have for teenagers?"
Guest Bio
Dr. Angela Duckworth was told her entire childhood that she wasn’t the smartest in the class. Instead of giving up and listening, Dr. Duckworth experimented with her many interests and discovered what she did and didn’t love. After many years of trial and error, she finally found her true calling. She wanted to study and research “grit,” which is perseverance and passion that achieves long-term goals. Since then, Dr. Duckworth has published her NYT’s bestselling book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, and has spoken all over the world about what grit is and how it will help our society. As a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Duckworth is recognized as one of the top experts on “grit” in the world.
If you would like to learn more, visit her website: angeladuckworth.com
If you would like to see her TED talks, visit: ted.com
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