In this instant New York Times bestseller pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed¿be it parents students educators athletes or business people¿that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls ¿grit.¿ Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of ¿genius¿ Duckworth now a celebrated researcher and professor describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching business consulting and neuroscience which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not ¿genius¿ but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.