Are maestros born or made? How do some people achieve excellence in their chosen field? What do Mozart and the Indian American Spelling Bee champions have in common?
The answer is a magical four-letter word: G-R-I-T.
It is the ability to set a goal and then purse it with passion and perseverance. We analyze Angela Duckworth’s research on the role of grit in educational and professional achievement. Recruiters use grit, not IQ scores, to select cadets for the United States Military Academy. Grit is the mysterious elixir that can enable you to achieve perfection and excellence.
Malcolm Gladwell popularized the 10,000-hour rule: to become world class in any field practice 20 hours every week for 10 years. Researchers find this is not enough. We study Japanese figure skater Shizuka Arakawa to understand the difference between just repeating a task and deliberately practicing it. Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated swimmers in the history of the Olympics. At the end of every practice session his coach would make Phelps watch an imaginary videotape of each race. Why did he do that? This chapter illustrates how deliberate practice, refining your mental image and embracing boredom can be the pillars that help you scale the learning curve.
FOR THE CURIOIUS
More From the Chapter
Meet the ‘Octochamps’
When you are a Scripps National Spelling Bee champion can you invent a new word? Meet the Octochamps who did and learn from their perseverance.
Fall to succeed
Shizuka Arakawa’s journey to an Olympic Gold involved repeatedly falling on ice 20,000 times while protected with just a thin costume.
Natural Talent is Overrated
Find out how to achieve mastery in anything you decide to do.
