Thread by @DanielPink

Talent matters. No doubt about that.

But it’s not the only thing.

And it’s often not even the main thing.

Angela Duckworth’s research shows there’s a stronger predictor of success:

Grit.

So what is grit?

It’s the combination of passion and perseverance.

Grit is what keeps you going after the excitement fades.

It’s what pushes you to finish what you start.

And it can be learned.

Duckworth breaks grit into 4 elements:

1. Deep interest – You love what you do.
2. Deliberate practice – You work hard and smart to improve.
3. Purpose – You believe your work serves something bigger.
4. Resilient hope – You don’t give up when things get hard.

Why it matters:

In study after study—from cadets at West Point to finalists in spelling bees—grit outperformed raw talent.

It wasn’t IQ or natural ability that made the difference.

It was sticking with it.

And here’s the good news:

Grit isn’t fixed.

It’s a skill.

It can be strengthened.

And we can help others grow it too—through challenge, support, and meaning.

The takeaway:

Don’t just ask, “Am I good at this?”

Ask:

“Do I care enough to keep going?”

“Am I willing to get better?”

“Can I stay hopeful when it gets hard?”

That’s grit. And that’s what leads to mastery.