"In this must-read book for anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, educators, athletes, students, and businesspeople--both seasoned and new--the secret to outstanding achievement. Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of 'genius,' Duckworth, now a celebrated researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not 'genius' or talent. Rather, it is a special blend of passion and persistence she call 'grit.' In 'Grit,' she takes readers into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she's learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers."--Page 4 of cover.