When I was meeting with one of the RAs recently, I asked the
regular question: What is your favorite book?
As he began to explain the book, which sounded great, he noted he was
half-way through with it. UGH! Doesn’t count. You need to read the entire book to become
your favorite. So he gave me another
book, but the title stuck in my mind.
One week later after I entered a book store, I found the book and
purchased. I read it when traveling to
NYU Paris. Well, I will say he was right,
it’s a great read. Grit by Angela Duckworth reviews research conducted by others
followed by her own research on what makes someone successful. Surprising to some, it isn’t talent! Passion and perseverance are the two variables
that lead to a higher level of grit in an individual. Some of the studies that Duckworth employs to
support her hypothesis include: West Point Cadets, Spelling Bee Champions,
Olympic Swimmers, and what she learns from top performing CEOs. The book balances quantitative and
qualitative information sources. Her own
life story, always being told by her father that she wasn’t the smartest kid in
school, made her work harder. I have
often wondered what makes life-long elite performers on the field, in the
workplace, and in the classroom.
Duckworth’s work provided some clarity and understanding on the
topic. The personal stories and
experiences make the book accessible to all.
I hope to use the lessons learned for my students, and also for how I
want to be going forward in becoming the best I can be at whatever I commit to
doing. Great read!
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