Grit: The power of passion and perseverance

TED Talk - Angela Lee Duckworth | TED Talks Education April 2013

Angela Lee Duckworth’s TED Talk on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance explores the importance of grit—defined as a combination of passion and perseverance—in achieving long-term goals. Duckworth, a psychologist, recounts her journey, from teaching in a tough public school to conducting research at the University of Pennsylvania. Her central idea is that talent alone is not the key to success. Instead, grit, the ability to keep working toward a goal despite obstacles and failures, plays a critical role.

Duckworth shares the results of her studies with various groups, such as students, military cadets, and salespeople, finding that grit was a better predictor of success than intelligence or talent. She explains that passion fuels perseverance, and perseverance enables individuals to push through challenges and setbacks over time. Duckworth emphasises the importance of a growth mindset, where people believe their abilities can be developed through hard work and persistence.

Ultimately, Duckworth encourages viewers to foster grit in themselves and others, as it’s essential not just for achieving personal goals but for overcoming adversity. She argues that by cultivating both passion and perseverance, individuals can build resilience and succeed in the face of challenges, regardless of their starting point.

Video credit TED