Thursday, October 1, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ResilienceUpworthy

It’s not brains or talent. Expert says high achievers have two traits anyone can learn.

In a world often obsessed with innate talent and intelligence, Angela Duckworth's exploration of 'grit' offers a refreshing perspective on the essence of high achievement. Duckworth, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes that the most critical factor in success isn't a natural gift but rather a blend of passion and perseverance—qualities collectively termed as 'grit.' Through her extensive research, Duckworth illustrates that this quality is a common thread among high achievers across diverse fields, from military cadets to spelling bee champions.

Duckworth's insights suggest that grit can be cultivated, offering a democratizing view of success. By focusing on long-term goals and maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks, individuals can transcend the limitations of their natural abilities or educational background. This approach not only levels the playing field but also empowers individuals to take control of their destinies, fostering a belief that with enough persistence and passion, they too can achieve their dreams.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of understanding what truly drives high achievement beyond mere talent or intelligence.
The actions
Angela Duckworth identifies and promotes 'grit' as a learnable trait combining passion and perseverance.
Evidence of progress
Duckworth's research shows that grit is prevalent among high achievers in various fields, supported by her book and public talks.
What we can learn
Success is accessible to anyone willing to cultivate passion and resilience, irrespective of their natural gifts or background.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
8
Engagement
9
Relationships
5
Meaning
7
Accomplishment
9
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Perseverance

    It's how long you can keep getting back up after getting hit.

  • Hope

    All you need is perseverance and passion and you have as good a shot as anyone at achieving your dreams.

  • Perspective

    Having a kind of North Star.

Try this today

Reflect on a long-term goal you're passionate about. Identify one small, actionable step you can take today to move closer to that goal, and commit to repeating this process consistently, even when faced with setbacks.