"Grit Is Not Enough" — Angela Duckworth on the True Conditions for Success
When you hear the word "Grit," many people likely think of "perseverance" or "tenacity." American psychologist Angela Duckworth has garnered attention by identifying this "grit" as the key to achieving high results. However, her own career has been colored by numerous turning points that were not just about "persevering," and the insights she gained from them. The educational activities she began right after graduating from college, the background behind her leaving her consultant position at McKinsey after only 11 months, and the struggles she faced before choosing the path of a psychology researcher—all of these experiences have led to a new perspective: "Grit is important, but it is not enough on its own."
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner what Angela Duckworth says about the "limitations of grit," the "power of environment," and provide specific advice for startups and entrepreneurs.
1. Angela Duckworth's Career Turning Points
1-1. "Post-Premed" — The Decision to Abandon the Path of a Physician
Angela Duckworth was born into a family of Chinese immigrants and grew up under the strong family expectation that "it is natural to become a doctor." She herself majored in neurobiology at Harvard University and initially studied with the intention of going to medical school.
However, while in school, she discovered a passion for "education" through an opportunity to teach children in the local community. Struck by the intellectual curiosity and potential that children inherently possess, she made the decision to give up the path of medicine. It is said that her father did not speak to her for about six months after hearing the news.
“My father was angry that I was ‘wasting’ my Harvard degree. But I had a strong desire to ‘dedicate my life to the education of children.’”
1-2. An "Unexpected" Career at McKinsey
After graduating from college, she launched a non-profit summer school and achieved a certain level of success. However, during a period when she was worried about her subsequent career path, an invitation arrived from McKinsey asking, "Why don't you become a consultant?" Although she did not even understand the meanings of terms like business, "profit," or "sales" very well, and due to the circumstances of it being difficult to find employment as a teacher in U.S. schools because of a mismatch in graduation timing, she decided to work at McKinsey temporarily.
“I didn't even know the difference between ‘profit’ and ‘sales.’ But the questions in the consultant interview felt similar to the logic used when teaching math to children.”
Eventually, 11 months later, she resigned from McKinsey. She chose to stand at the podium in a New York City public school.
2. From the Podium to the Path of Research — The Germination of Grit Research
2-1. The "Reality of Society" Learned at a New York Public School
The days spent in charge of 7th-grade mathematics at a New York City public middle school were incomparably harsher than her time at McKinsey. The school building had iron bars, there was only one old restroom, and the children's academic abilities varied greatly. In this harsh situation, she had to help the children grasp something within the limited class time.
“I was shocked by the large gap between the children’s ‘potential’ and their ‘actual grades.’ It was as if I were pouring water onto concrete; there were many children I couldn't reach.”
2-2. A Reality That Cannot Be Solved by "Tenacity" Alone
To develop a child's ability, it is not enough to just increase the time and persuade them to "study more." She herself felt keenly that motivation is weak with just the encouragement to "try harder," and she felt that her own lack of ability was the reason she could not continue standing at the podium as she was.
“Is ‘effort’ the only thing children are lacking?” “What is it that I should truly explore?” Driven by these questions, at the age of 32, she decided to enter the doctoral program (psychology) at the University of Pennsylvania.
3. The Discovery of "Grit" and the Breakthrough
3-1. Common Traits of High Achievers — Passion and Perseverance
During her doctoral studies, Duckworth focused on "world-class high achievers," such as Olympic athletes and Nobel laureates. What emerged from her research was that, more than talent, two traits stood out: "perseverance" and "long-term passion." These were the elements she called "grit."
“The core of grit is not a ‘momentary burst of focus’ but ‘sustained tenacity.’ I realized that it is important to maintain passion and remain committed to the same goal.”
3-2. From TED Talk to the Spotlight
Her research findings became widely known after she had the opportunity to speak on TED-related stages around 2013. In particular, her explanation of "grit," summarized in a short six-minute speech, spread rapidly among educators, parents, and business leaders.
“The reason grit was accepted around the world is probably because people felt hope that ‘maybe I can succeed even without innate talent.’”
4. The Limits of Grit and New Perspectives
4-1. The Power of Environment—“Grit Is Not Enough”
As Angela Duckworth’s reputation grew, the importance of "perseverance" was frequently touted in the business and education worlds. However, in recent years, she has begun to emphasize the theme that "grit is important, but it is not enough." Reflecting on the time she struggled to balance family life and research, she states:
“No matter how much ‘effort’ you put in, it won’t work without the ‘environment’ and ‘human relationships’ to support it. We are all creatures who rely on ‘mutual support.’”
4-2. William James and the Pros and Cons of Simplification
In the world of psychological research, there is a tendency to summarize findings into a "single phrase" whenever results are produced. Daniel Kahneman’s "System 1 and System 2" and Duckworth’s own "grit" have spread through such "short phrases." However, she points out that there is a danger in this.
While conveying key points briefly is an effective way to engage many people, it carries the risk that complex backgrounds and prerequisites will be left out. Here, Duckworth cites the example of psychologist William James, who actively gave short lectures to teachers. The lesson that "while it is necessary to summarize things in a way that is easy for people to understand, one must not forget the danger of ‘oversimplifying the truth’" is something that should be recognized again today.
5. Advice for Entrepreneurs: Making the Environment Your Ally
5-1. Building a "Flotilla" of Community
Startup founders often tend to try to "persevere on their own no matter what." However, what Duckworth emphasizes is the connection with "peers who can share the same circumstances." For example, community-based support organizations like incubators and accelerators provide an environment where mutual learning and emotional support are easily obtained.
“Just like forming a flotilla, please create a culture where people in the same position help each other. You should be able to move forward much further than if you were taking on the challenge alone.”
5-2. Mentorship Should Be Intentional, Not Accidental
Duckworth states that "encounters with mentors and advisors are not ‘gifts from heaven,’ but rather ‘relationships you cultivate yourself.’" She argues that instead of passively waiting for someone to appear by chance, one should actively reach out and build relationships.
“I sought out mentors in various fields myself, not just researchers, but also writers and business leaders. The effort to consult and create a ‘space to think together’ is what brings significant long-term results.”
Angela Duckworth’s "grit" is a simple and powerful keyword that became famous overnight. However, its true meaning is by no means preaching an "effort-supremacy doctrine." What she is trying to reveal in her new book is the "human comprehensive strength" that cannot be completed by grit alone, such as "the courage to seek help from those around you," "the value of building a community," and "ways to make your environment your ally."
As her own story of facing numerous turning points in life shows, even when you hit a wall, there are always hints for further growth. Believing in your own “perseverance” while simultaneously incorporating environment-building and collaboration with peers and mentors—this is the key to overcoming the “limits of grit.”
“Grit is important. But that alone isn't enough to finish a long race. It is by making the environment your ally that you truly get closer to success.”
I hope this article provides perspectives that are even slightly useful for your careers, team building, or educational settings. By not fixating solely on grit and instead being conscious of “collaboration with others” and the “power of the environment,” your possibilities should expand even further.
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