MFA Book Review: Grit — The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Lessons in Resilience, Purpose, and Parenting
In Grit, psychologist Angela Duckworth challenges one of the most persistent myths of success: that talent is the main ingredient of achievement. Drawing on years of research across education, military training, business, and sports, Duckworth makes a compelling case that what really drives excellence is not innate ability but a combination of passion and perseverance — what she calls grit.
At the heart of the book lies a simple yet transformative insight: effort counts twice. Duckworth expresses this through her elegant formula: Talent × Effort = Skill; Skill × Effort = Achievement. This perspective reframes success as something accessible to anyone willing to sustain focused effort over time, rather than the privilege of the gifted few. It also shifts attention from quick wins to long-term commitment — from fireworks to steady flame.
What distinguishes Grit from motivational platitudes is its blend of rigorous science and relatable storytelling. Duckworth weaves psychological studies with vivid portraits of gritty individuals — from cadets surviving West Point’s “Beast Barracks,” to teachers transforming classrooms, to world-class athletes and artists refining their craft through deliberate practice. These stories give life to her research and offer concrete examples of how persistence outpaces potential.
A particularly valuable section explores the four psychological assets of grit: interest, practice, purpose, and hope. Duckworth explains that gritty people cultivate deep, sustained interest; engage in deliberate practice to improve; connect their efforts to a higher purpose; and maintain hope even in the face of setbacks. She also highlights how a growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed, fuels perseverance by transforming failure into a teacher rather than a verdict.
Parenting and Grit
One of the most insightful parts of Grit is Duckworth’s exploration of how parents can nurture perseverance in their children. She argues that grit isn’t about harsh discipline or unrelenting pressure — it’s about combining high standards with deep support. The most effective parents, she explains, are both demanding and warm: they encourage their children to push through difficulty while providing the emotional safety that allows them to fail, learn, and try again. Duckworth also introduces the idea of the “Hard Thing Rule,” a family practice where everyone — parents included — commits to doing something challenging that requires daily effort, like learning an instrument or training for a sport. This shared commitment models perseverance and normalises struggle as part of growth.
The book’s strength lies in its clarity and optimism. Duckworth empowers readers to see success as a matter of choice and discipline rather than luck. Yet some critics argue that Grit risks oversimplifying the role of structural barriers and privilege — focusing too heavily on individual willpower. Duckworth acknowledges these limitations but maintains that cultivating grit remains universally valuable, regardless of circumstance.
Ultimately, Grit is both a manifesto for resilience and a practical guide to long-term achievement. It invites readers to replace the question “How talented am I?” with “How committed am I to getting better?” In a world enamoured with instant results, Duckworth’s message is refreshingly grounded: the secret to extraordinary success is ordinary effort sustained over time.
At Muslim Family Adventures (MFA), we see the message of Grit come alive through our journeys in the mountains, forests, and coasts — where challenge meets reflection and perseverance meets purpose. Our adventure retreats and expeditions are designed to strengthen not only the body but also the spirit, helping families and individuals build resilience, patience, and gratitude through shared experiences in nature. Just as Grit teaches that success grows from sustained effort and purpose, MFA experiences nurture the same qualities — reminding us that true growth happens when we keep striving, learning, and trusting in Allah’s plan through every climb and every test.
