Passion or Perseverance? #2035

Angela Duckworth wrote the book on the science of Grit.

Of course, if you’re into self-development, you knew that. 😉

She tells us that there are two primary components to grit: Passion and Perseverance.

Of course, if you’re into self-development, you probably ALSO knew that. 😉

But…

Here’s a fascinating fact you probably DIDN’T know.

Pop Quiz…

Which of the TWO aspects of grit do you think is most often lacking in the most ambitious among us?

[ ] PASSION

or

[ ] PERSEVERANCE

Well…

What’s your guess?

Before reading Bill Gurley’s new book, Runnin’ Down a Dream, I would have guessed PERSEVERANCE.

(How about you?)

And…

I would have been WRONG.

(How about you?)

Here’s how Bill puts it in his great book: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has sold more than a million copies. But Duckworth says that in the years since her book’s publication she has actually changed her mind about one key component of grit, which she breaks into two parts: passion and perseverance.

‘I used to think that perseverance was the harder part,’ she told me. ‘But kids know how to work hard. They can learn to work harder. Some are taught to grind. But passion is the easily overlooked element of grit. Passion is really hard.’ Working hard, engaging with feedback, practicing tasks we cannot yet do, exhibiting real resilience, all of that, Duckworth says, is easier than knowing what to persevere toward.”

Bill continues by telling us: “Plenty of people can run full-speed at a challenge—at least for a while. But it is much harder for someone to find what Duckworth calls ‘an obsessive interest,’ something in life that inspires a fascination strong enough to keep that drive going for the decades it takes to build a successful career.”

That’s why Bill tells us the #1 thing we need to do to create the life of our dreams is to “chase your curiosity.”

As he says: “Figuring out what you care about is the most important decision you can make in a career.”

Check out the Notes for more.

For now…

How’s YOUR Passion?

If you’re struggling with motivation/grit, check in and see if you can bring a little more “obsessive interest” to what you’re doing!!!

Here’s to your Heroic grit.

It’s Day 1.

We’re ALL IN.

Let’s go.

P.S. Bill wrote the book for young adults (and adults who are looking for more mojo in their lives). If you’re a parent, I think you’ll love it both for yourself AND to help your kids create deep joy in their lives!!