REVIEW OF GRIT BY ANGELA DUCKWORTH


1.    Just finished Grit, One of the most engaging self-help books that I have come across. The author Angela Duckworth has gone deep on the subject and used her own personal and anecdotal examples to put her point across that resonates with most of us in our daily lives.
2.    The book is in three parts each equally important in the context of the chosen subject where the author explains the meaning of the word grit, and why it is important for all of us, as we meander through the vagaries of life. This is followed by practical examples and very executable methods and strategies that we can look to emulate to develop grit.
3.    We have often grown up listening to words like determination, resilience, and fortitude and associated them with champions and stars in any discipline. The book goes on to explain in detail how these aspects of one's personality are to a great deal likely to determine his success in later life and not only innate talent. The author goes on to describe that the effort that we put in towards any endeavour is equally important as the outcome of our labours,
the effort counts twice in building long term values that are imbibed inside us to see us through those challenges that life may throw upon us.
4.    How does one find passion and propose in life this point in dwelled upon the second part where the author in a very interesting manner describes the convergence of Interest, Practice, Purpose and Hope towards finding out what our calling in life  is and then devoting all our energies towards it. All this she has backed with hard data and interviews that substantiate all that she aims to explain.
5.    If the second part of the book is growing Grit for oneself the third part is recommended for young parents, Teachers and leaders. The fact that one whole chapter has been dedicated to parenting for grit explains the importance the author has placed on this topic. I would personally say that in the chapter dealing with the playing fields of Grit has been a real eye-opener for me where the importance of having a hobby or doing something beyond your academic discipline is elucidated. The conclusion is very apt just like a fiction novel where we are transported in time and introduced to the Finnish concept of Grit. (sisu).
6.    For someone dealing with multiple perceived crises, this book is a much-needed breath of fresh air or a beacon of hope that all is not lost and all we need to do when down is get up and start again. Just like the author says ”Fall seven get up eight”.
7.    Only regret that I did not read this book ten to fifteen years earlier.


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