Happy February Book Club! Reading has limitless benefits from broadening your mind to enjoying some tech-free downtime. All the ladies at Pretty and Smart love to read and write. However, we understand that you might need some motivation. Check out this link for inspiration on settling into a good book.
This month’s pick comes to us from my friend Brooklyn!
February Book Club Pick:
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Angela Duckworth)
Judging the book by its (back) cover:
“In this must-read book for anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, educators, athletes, students, and business people-both seasoned and new-that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a focused persistence called “grit.” Why do some people succeed and others fail? Sharing new insights from her landmark research on grit, MacArthur “genius” Angela Duckworth explains why talent is hardly a guarantor of success. Rather, other factors can be even more crucial such as identifying our passions and following through on our commitments.”
Why we love it (as summed up by Brooklyn):
Anyone who has asked themself why some succeed and others fail needs to read this book. This past year, I have become increasingly interested in ‘grit’ (almost to the point of obsession). Duckworth defines grit as, the passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. It’s the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about even when facing obstacles. I am consistently trying to
- become grittier, and
- surround myself with gritty people.
As someone lacking natural talent, but is willing to work very hard I am captivated by grit. It is an extremely important ingredient in personal success.
In Grit, Duckworth takes readers into the field to visit teachers in some of the toughest schools, cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. Additionally, she hones in on fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance.
TLDR – it doesn’t matter how much talent you have, what matters is how hard you’re willing to work at that hard thing.
Duckworth talks about five characteristics of grit in her book. But even if you don’t have any of the characteristics you can still pull from my list here to get a little grittier.
But seriously, just read it.
Missed last month? Check out January’s Book Club pick!
