“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.”
I picked this book up at a resort in Los Angeles where Alexandra and I attempted to take a little vacation in the midst of the fires that forced us to evacuate our house. We failed miserably at the vacation attempt. (Hah!) The night we arrived we learned that the fires would be burning for another three weeks so we shifted gears and prepped for a longer time away from home.
(btw: True vacay soon but it’s funny because you know what I’d do on my ideal vacation? Read books like this. I think that’s a good sign. Laughing.)
I was walking through the spa en route to the gym (to bang out the 10 pull-ups to keep that streak alive) when I saw a collection of Sounds True books. This booked jumped out at me. I immediately got it. It’s awesome. 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.)
It’s jumbo-packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites so let’s jump in!
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