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 D. Pollock
Michael D. Pollock is a behavior change coach and writer who helps people break stubborn patterns, rebuild self-trust, and create lives that reflect who they truly are. His work explores the intersection of habits, identity, psychology, neuroscience and deep personal change.
Intelligence is awesome – until it gives up. Grit is the fuel that keeps one’s I.Q. continually applied to life’s toughest problems.