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Getting Grit: The Evidence-Based Approach to Cultivating Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose
One of the Top 10 Books That Will Change Your Life in 2017 - Live Happy Magazine
Grow Your Grit―How You Can Develop the Critical Ingredient for Success
Grit―defined as our perseverance and passion for long-term goals―is now recognized as one of the key determinants for achievement and life satisfaction. In an age that provides us with a never-ending stream of distractions and quick-and-easy solutions, how do we build this essential quality? "This book is designed to help you screen out the spam of life and cultivate authentic grit in every setting," writes Caroline Miller.
With Getting Grit, this bestselling author brings you an information-rich and practical guide for developing the qualities needed to persevere over obstacles―not just toughness and passion, but also humility, patience, and kindness. Join her as she shares research-based insights and practices
• Learning grit―how you can enhance your willpower and rewire your brain for resilience
• The key traits of gritty people―what the latest research reveals
• The three kinds of "false grit" and how to recognize them in yourself
• The courage to fail―tools for turning your setbacks into your greatest teachers
• Daring to dream big―guidance for building your capacity to take risks and aim higher
• No one succeeds alone―tips for gathering your support team and inspiring others
• The role of self-compassion, gratitude, and spirituality in building grit
"I’ve come to believe that gritty behavior is a positive force that does more than help us rise to our own challenges," writes Caroline Miller. "When we embody the best qualities of grit, we become a role model for others who want to become better people, and help them awaken greater possibilities for themselves." Whether you’re seeking to grow beyond your limits at work, at home, on the sporting field, or in any leadership role, Getting Grit is a powerful resource to help you bring out the qualities that will help you succeed and thrive.
Grow Your Grit―How You Can Develop the Critical Ingredient for Success
Grit―defined as our perseverance and passion for long-term goals―is now recognized as one of the key determinants for achievement and life satisfaction. In an age that provides us with a never-ending stream of distractions and quick-and-easy solutions, how do we build this essential quality? "This book is designed to help you screen out the spam of life and cultivate authentic grit in every setting," writes Caroline Miller.
With Getting Grit, this bestselling author brings you an information-rich and practical guide for developing the qualities needed to persevere over obstacles―not just toughness and passion, but also humility, patience, and kindness. Join her as she shares research-based insights and practices
• Learning grit―how you can enhance your willpower and rewire your brain for resilience
• The key traits of gritty people―what the latest research reveals
• The three kinds of "false grit" and how to recognize them in yourself
• The courage to fail―tools for turning your setbacks into your greatest teachers
• Daring to dream big―guidance for building your capacity to take risks and aim higher
• No one succeeds alone―tips for gathering your support team and inspiring others
• The role of self-compassion, gratitude, and spirituality in building grit
"I’ve come to believe that gritty behavior is a positive force that does more than help us rise to our own challenges," writes Caroline Miller. "When we embody the best qualities of grit, we become a role model for others who want to become better people, and help them awaken greater possibilities for themselves." Whether you’re seeking to grow beyond your limits at work, at home, on the sporting field, or in any leadership role, Getting Grit is a powerful resource to help you bring out the qualities that will help you succeed and thrive.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
82 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Adams Miller
19 books53 followersI am the author of "Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide" (Sterling 2009) which is the first book to combine the science of happiness with the science of goal accomplishment. I am one of the first graduates of the University of Pennsylvania's Masters in Applied Positive Psychology program, and I work with clients all over the world as a professional coach. I am the author of other books, including "My Name is Caroline," "Feeding the Soul," and "Bright Words for Dark Days.""
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 13, 2020
Ok Boomer.
The first 3 chapters of this book are unnecessary generation bashing which add nothing to the purpose of book.
The remaining chapters have very fleeting moments of guidance. Unfortunately her views are undermined as she rarely cites peer-reviewed journal articles when discussing key points. Instead Caroline uses newspaper articles to tell anecdotal tales that fit with her views on grit.
This may be a good introductory book for anyone who is new to the concept of goal setting.
However most people who have completed a modern year 8 health curriculum should be familiar with these concepts and may want to look for a book with more rigor.
The first 3 chapters of this book are unnecessary generation bashing which add nothing to the purpose of book.
The remaining chapters have very fleeting moments of guidance. Unfortunately her views are undermined as she rarely cites peer-reviewed journal articles when discussing key points. Instead Caroline uses newspaper articles to tell anecdotal tales that fit with her views on grit.
This may be a good introductory book for anyone who is new to the concept of goal setting.
However most people who have completed a modern year 8 health curriculum should be familiar with these concepts and may want to look for a book with more rigor.
July 23, 2017
This book offers interesting information about what author calls "authentic grit" and grit in general. In the first part, author begins by describing multiple types of grit and how we can recognize each. Author also tells which types of grit are good and worth developing and are which ones are bad, and why. This is followed by exploration of the current lack of grit in society along with some tips how to change this situation.
In the second part, Author covers individual parts of "authentic grit" and how to develop each. Every chapter also contains useful exercises one can try and implement right on the spot. Book also contains many interesting stories about people from many different areas.
This book is a very good read and I recommend it to everyone interesting in the topic of grit and resilience. It builds on ideas from work of psychologists Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) and Martin E. P. Seligman.
The weak side of this book is that it sometimes sounds too promotional, that the author is trying to promote and sell her counseling services and previous books. Also, some parts are unnecessarily long and could be much shorter. It seems like some parts ar in the book just add a couple of pages. Removing those parts would, I think, did no harm to the book. Another possible downside is if you read Grit by Angela Duckworth. Then, some parts of this book will sound very familiar (it did for me since I read Grit).
Still, it has offers interesting information, tips, exercises and perspective. It is also more "actionable" than Grit by Angela Duckworth. I suggest you read this book anyway.
In the second part, Author covers individual parts of "authentic grit" and how to develop each. Every chapter also contains useful exercises one can try and implement right on the spot. Book also contains many interesting stories about people from many different areas.
This book is a very good read and I recommend it to everyone interesting in the topic of grit and resilience. It builds on ideas from work of psychologists Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) and Martin E. P. Seligman.
The weak side of this book is that it sometimes sounds too promotional, that the author is trying to promote and sell her counseling services and previous books. Also, some parts are unnecessarily long and could be much shorter. It seems like some parts ar in the book just add a couple of pages. Removing those parts would, I think, did no harm to the book. Another possible downside is if you read Grit by Angela Duckworth. Then, some parts of this book will sound very familiar (it did for me since I read Grit).
Still, it has offers interesting information, tips, exercises and perspective. It is also more "actionable" than Grit by Angela Duckworth. I suggest you read this book anyway.
November 14, 2017
It took girt not to throw the book away. Saying you can easily cultivate grit is ridiculous. You can’t go pick up patience and perseverance at the store - they are developed over a lifetime. She rants for days about millennials. If the prior generations were such gems we wouldn’t have seen such a change in parenting styles. And suggesting you need to strive to be an Olympic winner in order to have a fulfilling life is absurd.
January 1, 2018
This is a useful book as long as you see it in context. This book is highly critical of our modern developments in the area of convenience and expedition, and it is comes across as somewhat reactionary. Indeed it is a slight reaction to the progress our society is making, and its resulting impatience. I would say that we merely need to adjust to society as it progresses, and not go back. At least this book gives good exercises that can help an individual slow down, which really makes this book useful. I suggest not lamenting progress so much.
August 4, 2020
Getting grit - sounds cool right?
Here's my review:
I believe that the message Caroline is trying to send is 100% true and very important. There are big problems with young generation, because becoming a snowflake is probably the worst thing for one's character, whining and complaining won't lead you anywhere, creating safe spaces don't help to deal with the real world. And the real world could be absolutely brutal and sometimes unforgiving.
First part of the book is not very interesting, I've almost forgotten everything from it: a bit of promotion for her other books and some explanation about the message of this very book.
Second part is better, Caroline gives very good examples of people who are setting up huge inspiring goals and achieve them via passion and hard work. Props for mentioning Jordan Peterson, different brilliant athletes and many other interesting books on this topic. Also I am curious about more details of her fight with bulemia, I guess she had to become tough to overcome that addiction.
I had a moment when I stopped reading and thought "man that's awesome" - it's definitely a sign of an interesting book. Unfortunately it ended rather quickly and the message was not fully received.
Conclusion: this book is not deep enough, but worth reading.
Here's my review:
I believe that the message Caroline is trying to send is 100% true and very important. There are big problems with young generation, because becoming a snowflake is probably the worst thing for one's character, whining and complaining won't lead you anywhere, creating safe spaces don't help to deal with the real world. And the real world could be absolutely brutal and sometimes unforgiving.
First part of the book is not very interesting, I've almost forgotten everything from it: a bit of promotion for her other books and some explanation about the message of this very book.
Second part is better, Caroline gives very good examples of people who are setting up huge inspiring goals and achieve them via passion and hard work. Props for mentioning Jordan Peterson, different brilliant athletes and many other interesting books on this topic. Also I am curious about more details of her fight with bulemia, I guess she had to become tough to overcome that addiction.
I had a moment when I stopped reading and thought "man that's awesome" - it's definitely a sign of an interesting book. Unfortunately it ended rather quickly and the message was not fully received.
Conclusion: this book is not deep enough, but worth reading.
November 4, 2018
This resonates so much with my inner conviction, that we can only feel good about ourselves if we do and complete hard things.
We are so much misled into thinking the opposite, that we need to seek for a comfortable life, with toys and vacations.
The author defines “authentic grit” as “the passionate pursuit of hard goals that awes and inspires others to become better people, flourish emotionally, take positive risks, and live their best lives.”
“challenging and specific” goals are required if someone wants to attain the highest levels of performance.
people aren’t happy doing nothing.
When you acquire knowledge and wisdom, recall that “You can’t keep what you don’t give away”. If you can go through your situation, you could possibly help even one person doing the same.
We are so much misled into thinking the opposite, that we need to seek for a comfortable life, with toys and vacations.
The author defines “authentic grit” as “the passionate pursuit of hard goals that awes and inspires others to become better people, flourish emotionally, take positive risks, and live their best lives.”
“challenging and specific” goals are required if someone wants to attain the highest levels of performance.
people aren’t happy doing nothing.
at night we all scan our day for its highlights, especially noting what we are most proud of. As you might expect, the things that give us authentic self-esteem are never the activities or behaviors that are easy and inside our comfort zone. It’s the difficult, challenging, and sometimes painful moments that leave us flush with a sense of pride and that make us more confident and hopeful about our capabilities and future.
When you acquire knowledge and wisdom, recall that “You can’t keep what you don’t give away”. If you can go through your situation, you could possibly help even one person doing the same.
July 2, 2019
While there is excellent information in this book, I found it a difficult slog through much of the "but first, here's more about ME" that fills much of the space. While I appreciate a good, illustrative story, so much of this felt self-centered and self-aggrandizing, rather than helping to flesh ideas out through a true tale of someone's success.
If you can wade through those pieces, then you will find some good advice about resiliency.
If you can wade through those pieces, then you will find some good advice about resiliency.
November 4, 2017
This book is one of the most well written self-help books that I've read. Caroline Adams Miller explains how gritty people behave and what they accomplish, showing us why we want to have grit. She breaks grit apart and explains how to different components works and why we need them for archiving grit that actually improve our life's and make us happy. Because grit doesn't always have an happy ending, like several examples from the book shows us. Grit is for improving our life's, not worsening them.
Her examples and explanations flows together and forms a book with clear explanations. Together with good writing and references to earlier examples she creates a book that makes it easy to embrace the message of the book.
But there are some issues with the book. At the end (p. 201) she writes that “[...] every generation longs for 'the good old days' [...]”, and I think that includes Miller herself. In several places mostly in the first part of the book she describes there “our society have gone wrong”. Some of this issues are developments both technological and social and people questioning the status quo.
An example of issues Caroline Adams Miller complains about self driving cars from the perspective that it would make our life's easier and more comfortable, but she ignores the life's the technology will save and the possible extra time that this will free up. Another example is that she calls the idea of stop using grades in school for “bizarre” (p. 35). She may be correct and it will be bad for the education system, but if you're going to ridicule someone's idea you damn well have to cite research proving your point. Or else you're just another old person dreaming of “the good old days”. Questioning the status quo is necessary for a healthy discussion in our society, and is a fundamental part of democracy.
Several other examples gives me the impression that she let her everyday thoughts make it into the book, thoughts that may be unfounded and be just changes that comes with developments in technology and new ideas make headway in our society. Do keep that in mind while reading the book. It does not diminish her ideas about grit and how to improve it, and almost all writers of self-help books do let their general thoughts into their texts. But I don't like it because I read her book for facts about grit, not her personal and unfounded opinions on changes. But some people may like it because it adds some “personality” to the book.
I think that everybody have a dreams about reaching goals that will make their life's more happy. Sadly not everyone have the grit necessary to finish the journey to reach them. This book is for people that want to reach their dream and be better of. But as always read critically!
Her examples and explanations flows together and forms a book with clear explanations. Together with good writing and references to earlier examples she creates a book that makes it easy to embrace the message of the book.
But there are some issues with the book. At the end (p. 201) she writes that “[...] every generation longs for 'the good old days' [...]”, and I think that includes Miller herself. In several places mostly in the first part of the book she describes there “our society have gone wrong”. Some of this issues are developments both technological and social and people questioning the status quo.
An example of issues Caroline Adams Miller complains about self driving cars from the perspective that it would make our life's easier and more comfortable, but she ignores the life's the technology will save and the possible extra time that this will free up. Another example is that she calls the idea of stop using grades in school for “bizarre” (p. 35). She may be correct and it will be bad for the education system, but if you're going to ridicule someone's idea you damn well have to cite research proving your point. Or else you're just another old person dreaming of “the good old days”. Questioning the status quo is necessary for a healthy discussion in our society, and is a fundamental part of democracy.
Several other examples gives me the impression that she let her everyday thoughts make it into the book, thoughts that may be unfounded and be just changes that comes with developments in technology and new ideas make headway in our society. Do keep that in mind while reading the book. It does not diminish her ideas about grit and how to improve it, and almost all writers of self-help books do let their general thoughts into their texts. But I don't like it because I read her book for facts about grit, not her personal and unfounded opinions on changes. But some people may like it because it adds some “personality” to the book.
I think that everybody have a dreams about reaching goals that will make their life's more happy. Sadly not everyone have the grit necessary to finish the journey to reach them. This book is for people that want to reach their dream and be better of. But as always read critically!
August 7, 2020
This book is just “ok.” As others have shared: there’s an unnecessary amount of millennial bashing. Suffice to say: yes, there is an issue with lack of focus and goal setting within this generation. Now, let’s move on. Apart from that, much of this book felt slapped together, and plenty of concepts were hashed over and over. This could have been 50-70 pages lighter and gotten just as much across. She notes she wrote this book as a quick turnaround after being approached by a publishing company to do so — and it shows. Overall felt her other work Creating Your Best Life did a better job of covering goal theory, and even went over just about all the same concepts as this with less ornaments and frivolity.
June 7, 2021
I love how this book use repetitive synonyms to emphasize on a notion. I feel like that this will be part of my writing style as I've developed them progressively.
Getting Grit consists of two part. Part One to put a distinction between Authentic (Good) Grit and Faux (Bad) Grit. Even in this part there are some unnecessary generation bashing and I feel attacked by the author kinda self-absorbed and put the blame in Milennials and the environment we live in fast-paced, instant gratification culture. Nevertheless, I was enticed to the end only when she provides some tips and tricks on how to overcome and thrive in this culture we live in.
On the other hand, part two consists of the attributes you need to develop to cultivate grit in yourself. In part one, the writer also highlight how grit can be build by parents at an early age; and made me think counterintuitively that one need to read such of a book to develop yourself in becoming a good parents rather than reading book about parenting meh ( I haven't read one tho). Why is that so? Because children learn better through example rather than your 'babble'. Like the says going ' Action speaks louder than words'. Thus, in order to become a good parents, you first must be a good human being. That thrive in face of adversity.
And that is grit when people keep thriving until they reach their goal and not quitting when facing a setback. Coz like Sophia Grace said: Every setbacks just a setup for something a lil bit better.
I love that therein a notion about the power of words. It says about how our subconscious mind will eventually affect our conscious. What we hear and see everyday has the subliminal effects that we didn't realize is actually damaging to our well-being.
And the power of vision; hence the hype of culminating vision board that aid when facing a setback and persevere. Vision yourself have completed the task and the feelings associated with it when you accomplish your goal. This vision technique would redirect you to stay steadfast towards your dream and goal in phase of trial and tribulations.
I have annotated and jot down some passing thoughts while reading this book in which I rarely do with any other books which show that this book leaves quite an impression on me.
Getting Grit consists of two part. Part One to put a distinction between Authentic (Good) Grit and Faux (Bad) Grit. Even in this part there are some unnecessary generation bashing and I feel attacked by the author kinda self-absorbed and put the blame in Milennials and the environment we live in fast-paced, instant gratification culture. Nevertheless, I was enticed to the end only when she provides some tips and tricks on how to overcome and thrive in this culture we live in.
On the other hand, part two consists of the attributes you need to develop to cultivate grit in yourself. In part one, the writer also highlight how grit can be build by parents at an early age; and made me think counterintuitively that one need to read such of a book to develop yourself in becoming a good parents rather than reading book about parenting meh ( I haven't read one tho). Why is that so? Because children learn better through example rather than your 'babble'. Like the says going ' Action speaks louder than words'. Thus, in order to become a good parents, you first must be a good human being. That thrive in face of adversity.
And that is grit when people keep thriving until they reach their goal and not quitting when facing a setback. Coz like Sophia Grace said: Every setbacks just a setup for something a lil bit better.
I love that therein a notion about the power of words. It says about how our subconscious mind will eventually affect our conscious. What we hear and see everyday has the subliminal effects that we didn't realize is actually damaging to our well-being.
And the power of vision; hence the hype of culminating vision board that aid when facing a setback and persevere. Vision yourself have completed the task and the feelings associated with it when you accomplish your goal. This vision technique would redirect you to stay steadfast towards your dream and goal in phase of trial and tribulations.
I have annotated and jot down some passing thoughts while reading this book in which I rarely do with any other books which show that this book leaves quite an impression on me.
August 10, 2018
Hit it on the head
Working in education it was amazing seeing how much of what she said was happening negatively, was happening in our field. So, I related well to the topics she was discussing. It was phenomenal and you’ll want to share a lot of the passages with different people. It’s a guideline to not only better yourself but those you are around. The exercises at the end o the chapter also were creative and helpful. This was definitely one of my favorite recent books. She mentions a lot of other books too that are VERY good reads as well, but this was as good or better than all of those she talked about. Highly recommend
Working in education it was amazing seeing how much of what she said was happening negatively, was happening in our field. So, I related well to the topics she was discussing. It was phenomenal and you’ll want to share a lot of the passages with different people. It’s a guideline to not only better yourself but those you are around. The exercises at the end o the chapter also were creative and helpful. This was definitely one of my favorite recent books. She mentions a lot of other books too that are VERY good reads as well, but this was as good or better than all of those she talked about. Highly recommend
July 27, 2017
In my work as a school social worker, this book is a useful guide to WHAT grit is. It has a ton of research and information, presented in a very readable way. Also great ideas & exercises for building various aspects of grit (patience, perseverance, humility, etc.). Highly recommend.
August 22, 2017
I loved the practical, simple, research-based advice in this book and especially enjoyed the inspiring stories. The author highlighted stories of people overcoming adversity or pursuing excellence with hard work and I found it very uplifting and motivating.
September 4, 2017
Practical, reaearch based approach to deconstructing how to develop meaning to our lives. While filled with great insight and reflective tools, I wonder if readers need to already possess many of these traits to find the book meaningful.
January 28, 2018
Life-changing
Excellent read, the author breaks down the essence of grit into understandable components and explains how we can integrate them into our own lives for improved living.
Excellent read, the author breaks down the essence of grit into understandable components and explains how we can integrate them into our own lives for improved living.
October 14, 2018
Good addition to the resilience literature
This is a well-written and engaging read on grit/resilience. There is good research that serves as the book’s foundation. I would have liked to see more examples from her coaching practice and more case studies on resilient people.
This is a well-written and engaging read on grit/resilience. There is good research that serves as the book’s foundation. I would have liked to see more examples from her coaching practice and more case studies on resilient people.
February 15, 2019
The previous Goodreads reviews are on point. You might find some of the exercises helpful. Part memoir, part non-fiction. The writing style didn't flow super well for me, but still some interesting stuff in there.
June 30, 2017
This book confirms some of the things I learned in my earlier years. It has also challenged me to try some new approaches. I recommend this book to those desiring to get the most out of life.
August 9, 2017
Solid advise that somehow never quite moves over to guidance. Principles can be applied, but you have to find your own way to how.
August 27, 2017
Worth reading, but I probably should have just read Angela Duckworth's work.
March 18, 2018
Not a lot of new information but very well presented and easy to understand. Good examples. You will learn a lot.
November 30, 2018
Some nuggets of wisdom, but you have to wade through a lot of condescension and self promotion to get to them 🙄
December 28, 2018
Getting Grit helped me come up with strategies to become more, well, gritty. I don't think I have a lot of endurance, but her book helped me see why this is important and gave me ways I can change.
June 2, 2019
Did not finish...didn't like the writing or the self promotion!!
September 1, 2020
I am a huge fan of Angela Duckworth's research on grit. Caroline Miller takes that to the next level with practical tips on how to grow grit, and what types of grit to avoid.
June 28, 2022
Good resources for developing grit and the importance of it. Good evidence to show that our current ‘instant gratification’ era is lacking grit due to the lack of patience.
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January 22, 2023
A good reminder of how our modern society strips our grit and perseverence through the alarming increase of common instant gratification and shift in education.
March 8, 2025
The only thing I could think while reading this was man shakes fist at cloud.
November 5, 2023
If you’re into the science of grit and looking for a super-practical complement to Angela Duckworth’s Grit, I think you’ll love it.
“In this book, I share research and ideas about how we can boost the character strengths and behaviors that we see in gritty people. I’ve even come up with a term that I use to describe the type of grit I think elicits the greatest results: ‘authentic grit.’ I define this as ‘the passionate pursuit of hard goals that awes and inspires others to become better people, flourish emotionally, take positive risks, and live their best lives.’ …
My overarching goal in this book is to demonstrate that building authentic grit isn’t just possible but that it’s our duty to do so if we want to live in a world that upholds standards of excellence and shuns quitting. We need resilience, optimism, and determination to overcome setbacks that threaten our flourishing and peace, and we need to arm the next generation—the first in U.S. history predicted not to have the same standard of living as their parents—with the science of happiness and the tools to persevere toward their best and most meaningful lives. …
I believe we can begin to imagine and create a world that makes us proud and that uplifts us to be bolder, more tenacious, and more inspirational. When we learn how to set the right goals and see them through to the finish line, become comfortable with discomfort, and use setbacks as springboards, we can live with passion, purpose, and perseverance. It will be the reality that more of us live and share with others so that we can all become better versions of ourselves.”
~ Caroline Adams Miller from Getting Grit
Caroline Miller is an executive coach with decades of experience who has a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania where she studied with Martin Seligman and his colleagues, including Angela Duckworth who pioneered the science of grit.
In fact, Angela has a testimonial on the front cover. She says: “I don’t know anybody who has thought more than Caroline Miller about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives.”
If you’re into the science of grit and looking for a super-practical complement to Duckworth’s Grit
I think you’ll love it. (Get a copy here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Classic Grit - Passion, persistence, long-term goal.
2. The Bell - Don’t ever, ever ring it.
3. Authentic Grit vs. The other stuff.
4. A Dream - That’s where it all starts.
5. Happiness - Comes before success.
6. Risk-Taking - The definition of Hell.
7. Perseverance - Struggling well.
I’ve added Getting Grit by Caroline Adams Miller to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“In this book, I share research and ideas about how we can boost the character strengths and behaviors that we see in gritty people. I’ve even come up with a term that I use to describe the type of grit I think elicits the greatest results: ‘authentic grit.’ I define this as ‘the passionate pursuit of hard goals that awes and inspires others to become better people, flourish emotionally, take positive risks, and live their best lives.’ …
My overarching goal in this book is to demonstrate that building authentic grit isn’t just possible but that it’s our duty to do so if we want to live in a world that upholds standards of excellence and shuns quitting. We need resilience, optimism, and determination to overcome setbacks that threaten our flourishing and peace, and we need to arm the next generation—the first in U.S. history predicted not to have the same standard of living as their parents—with the science of happiness and the tools to persevere toward their best and most meaningful lives. …
I believe we can begin to imagine and create a world that makes us proud and that uplifts us to be bolder, more tenacious, and more inspirational. When we learn how to set the right goals and see them through to the finish line, become comfortable with discomfort, and use setbacks as springboards, we can live with passion, purpose, and perseverance. It will be the reality that more of us live and share with others so that we can all become better versions of ourselves.”
~ Caroline Adams Miller from Getting Grit
Caroline Miller is an executive coach with decades of experience who has a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania where she studied with Martin Seligman and his colleagues, including Angela Duckworth who pioneered the science of grit.
In fact, Angela has a testimonial on the front cover. She says: “I don’t know anybody who has thought more than Caroline Miller about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives.”
If you’re into the science of grit and looking for a super-practical complement to Duckworth’s Grit
I think you’ll love it. (Get a copy here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Classic Grit - Passion, persistence, long-term goal.
2. The Bell - Don’t ever, ever ring it.
3. Authentic Grit vs. The other stuff.
4. A Dream - That’s where it all starts.
5. Happiness - Comes before success.
6. Risk-Taking - The definition of Hell.
7. Perseverance - Struggling well.
I’ve added Getting Grit by Caroline Adams Miller to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
August 15, 2017
Getting Grit is a useful guide to tools you can use to help you, and those you have influence with become more ‘gritty’. More than just a recap of the ideas in Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit. Miller reviews the key concepts of the books, and approaches them from an executive coach’s perspective. She also places an emphasis on the difference between good grit, and other kinds of behavior that seem to share qualities with “grit” but which don’t lead to positive results. She also ties in the concept of givers and takers, which Adam Grant wrote about in Give and Take, which is important since successful, “gritty” people rarely accomplish things alone.
This book can be a quick motivational read, but it can also give you tools to improve, While Duckworth’s book had a section on improving your grittiness, the chapters in the second half of Adams’ book all end with exercises that you can do to improve your grittiness. As I’ve also been working my way through Designing your Life, this is a good complement to the ideas and exercises in that book.
There are a few sections that seemed to imply that there are benefits to extrinsic motivators, such as grades and awards, which confused me at first. Adams clarifies this later in the book, and explains that metrics and comparisons are necessary for people to identify progress against intrinsically motivated goals. A couple of sections like this made the book less than perfect in my opinion, but it’s still an valuable resource.
If you read Grit and fully understood the concepts in that book, this might not be an essential read. If you haven’t read that book this might be a good introduction, and you’ll get some good advice what you might want to do to become more gritty (or help your children develop grit). Many of the ideas benefit from a second read, and reading this (and considering, if not actually doing the exercises) could be valuable.
This book can be a quick motivational read, but it can also give you tools to improve, While Duckworth’s book had a section on improving your grittiness, the chapters in the second half of Adams’ book all end with exercises that you can do to improve your grittiness. As I’ve also been working my way through Designing your Life, this is a good complement to the ideas and exercises in that book.
There are a few sections that seemed to imply that there are benefits to extrinsic motivators, such as grades and awards, which confused me at first. Adams clarifies this later in the book, and explains that metrics and comparisons are necessary for people to identify progress against intrinsically motivated goals. A couple of sections like this made the book less than perfect in my opinion, but it’s still an valuable resource.
If you read Grit and fully understood the concepts in that book, this might not be an essential read. If you haven’t read that book this might be a good introduction, and you’ll get some good advice what you might want to do to become more gritty (or help your children develop grit). Many of the ideas benefit from a second read, and reading this (and considering, if not actually doing the exercises) could be valuable.
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