In this brief TED Talk, psychology researcher Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth argues that grit — defined as passion and perseverance toward long-term goals — is a stronger predictor of success than IQ, social intelligence, or physical health. Duckworth describes grit as the stamina to stick with your future year after year, treating life like a marathon rather than a sprint.
“In all those very different contexts, one characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn’t social intelligence. It wasn’t good looks, physical health, and it wasn’t IQ.
“It was grit.
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day-in, day-out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. And working really hard to make that future a reality.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
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By Michael Pollock
Michael Pollock is a web strategy and growth partner for small training and education organizations, with more than 20 years of building websites behind him. He also writes about habits, behavior change, and living with intention.
Intelligence is awesome – until it gives up. Grit is the fuel that keeps one’s I.Q. continually applied to life’s toughest problems.