Book Review - Grit by Angela Duckworth

Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and the Science of Success by Angela Duckworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Frankly speaking, I'm only a little more than halfway through the book, but I was so taken by the book's premise and ideas that I felt compelled enough to jump into action and pen a review for it. (Caveat for readers who are expecting book reviewers to have completed the entire book...what a silly expectation to have! ;p)

Duckworth weaves together dry statistical experiments, pop-sciencey psychology, and moving anecdotes from a wide range of folks (including her own remarkable story) to present a theory on Grit - what it is (and importantly, what it is not) and how to develop it.

If all this sounds like the ingredients of a particularly annoying self-help book aimed at the meditation-loving, kombucha-drinking but ultimately flaky millennial - it is not - and I propose that taking such a cynical view is a loss for anyone who seriously wants to learn more about developing strength of character.

For those who struggle with possessing grit, Duckworth is encouraging with constant reminders that grit is malleable and can be developed over time. She puts forth 3 pillars to achieve this:

1. Start with interest. Even world experts had to start with a fledgling interest before that thing explodes into a sustainable passion.
2. Hone your capacity to practice. Beyond quantity of practice (by now, the 10,000 hours rule is well-known), focus on the quality of practice. Practice deliberately, repeatedly, especially on your weaknesses. You might even get to enjoy a state of 'flow' (her term), which is what I call 'being in the zone'.
3. Recognize your purpose. Motivation to continue in the face of adversity comes from knowing that your efforts have meaning and purpose bigger than yourself. It often has to do with contributing to the well-being of others.

To end off, if this is any testament to the book's readability - I simultaneously can't wait to finish the rest of the book but also wish that the book would go on a bit longer, just so I can enjoy reading it for a bit longer. What a great book to kickstart 2017 with!


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Hello 2017

With CNY, I guess I have a second chance at cobbling together some resolutions for 2017!

New Year's resolutions are  tricky thing. I've occasionally had the habit of coming up with a list, but for the low-level reason of not being able to keep track of that list, it hasn't been very meaningful. Hopefully penning this down will at least strike this off the list of excuses.

I remember a handful (and perhaps that is the trick to forming resolutions - keep it short!), mostly around personal fitness and being a kinder human being, but the details are fuzzy.

Here's my list of 7 resolutions for 2017:

1. Write publicly more often: at least once a fortnight
2. Exercise at least 2x a week
3. Learn at least ONE new technical skill
4. Volunteer at least twice a quarter.
5. Read at least 12 books this year
6. Meet up with at least 2 friends per month
7. Have dinner with my family at least once a week

Share your resolutions with me as well - we can help keep each other accountable.
:)