"It's been a paradigm shift for me to ask whether I can make my situation my ally rather than just try harder."
Trying harder isn't always the answer. Sometimes, the key to making progress isn't changing yourself, but changing the people and environments around you. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, psychologist and bestselling author Angela Duckworth joins Matt Abrahams to challenge conventional thinking about grit, perseverance, and personal growth. Drawing on insights from her new book, Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, Duckworth explains why effort alone isn't enough, how asking for help can accelerate improvement, and what deliberate practice really takes.
Takeaways:
- Sometimes changing your situation is more effective than trying harder. The people and environments around you can either support or limit your progress. Seeking help, mentorship, and the right conditions can make your efforts more successful.
- Better communication takes more than repetition. Deliberate practice requires specific goals, focused effort, and constructive feedback. Knowing what works, what needs improvement, and what to leave out can help you become a more effective communicator.
Activity:
- Change the situation. Think of something you've been struggling to improve despite putting in the effort. Instead of working harder, make one change to your environment, routine, or support system that could help you make progress.
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities
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Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
Chapters:
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:09) - The Four Pillars of Grit
- (05:22) - The Power of Deliberate Practice
- (08:46) - Giving Effective Feedback
- (11:51) - Changing Your Situation
- (13:45) - The Value of Asking for Help
- (16:55) - The Final Three Questions
- (24:24) - Conclusion
