According to psychologist and author Angela Duckworth, “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another”. In her book “Grit”, she says that talent is not the sole determinant of a person’s ability to succeed at an endeavor. A particularly important trait is their “grit”, which is a combination of perseverance and tenacity at a specific goal or achievement, over time. The level of grit of a person helps them make the most of their innate talent and can be a strong determinant of whether they accomplish goals such as finish high school or college, get through grueling military training, or become successful at their chosen career even in the face of obstacles.
 
The book can be a bit academic and there is a lot of information which might get overwhelming at times, but the overall message is a really important one for students, parents, teachers and anyone who is interested in human potential. Grit can help you succeed whether you are aiming to be a successful student, employee or Olympic athlete. While I disagree with the basic premise that if you happen to have multiple passions, or lose interest and move on to new areas of focus, that you lack the grittiness to succeed, I do like the concept that your success at a goal depends to a large degree on something entirely within your control – the ability to persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It is a book packed with suggestions and advice for becoming grittier oneself and helping others to acquire grit. Definitely a book you will want to read more than once!

I found this book very inspiring and it will stay with me for a long time. In fact I may well read it a second time once I've had time to absorb the contents and think it through some more.

It's well written with a good balance of scientific evidence and personal anecdotes. I found the author's assertion that our grit level changes in life normally and can also change intentionally if an individual would like to be 'grittier'. As she says 'who wants to be less gritty'? It has left me feeling more determined to pursue some things I've always intended and wanted to do but haven't achieved despite approaching retirement age. Learn to play the piano....write a novel...

The book has also left me with many questions I'd like to ask the author.