Some people achieve remarkable success and a long list of accomplishments, while others struggle to reach their dreams. But according to a new report, it doesn’t come down to talent, luck, or intelligence.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth suggests the most important factor in achieving success is the ability to bounce back after every setback – a quality she calls “grit.” This finding arrives as the entertainment industry increasingly focuses on the pressures faced by performers and the importance of mental fortitude.
“The common denominator among those who excel, regardless of their field, is this unique combination of passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals. In short, it’s grit,” Duckworth explains.
According to Duckworth’s research, grit is the common thread between high achievers in various fields, from students at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to children in spelling bees. She details this concept in her book, “Grit: The Power of Passion, and Perseverance.”
“It’s partly hard work, partly practicing what you can’t do yet, and partly resilience,” Duckworth says. “So, part of perseverance is, on the hard days, does one secure back up? If you combine a passion for what you do with perseverance to achieve long-term goals, you will possess this quality that is the common denominator among high achievers in every field.”
Duckworth clarifies that success isn’t simply about hard work, but also about a willingness to practice skills that are currently challenging and the ability to remain resilient in the face of obstacles. She emphasizes that perseverance is about getting back up, even on difficult days.
Duckworth defines grit as being comprised of two elements: a sustained passion for long-term goals and avoiding distraction by jumping from goal to goal. Having a clear and stable goal is crucial for developing this quality. Anyone who wants to achieve great things can develop perseverance; it’s not limited to innate abilities or educational level.
