logo
episode-header-image
May 2016
44m 29s

246. How to Get More Grit in Your Life

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
The psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that a person's level of stick-to-itiveness is directly related to their level of success. No big surprise there. But grit, she says, isn't something you're born with -- it can be learned. Here's how. 
Up next
Jul 3
680. Can Universities Win Back Our Trust?
Dartmouth president Sian Beilock, a psychologist by training, made her name studying why people choke. Now she’s applying those insights to one of the most scrutinized jobs in America. No pressure! SOURCES: Sian Beilock, president of Dartmouth College. RESOURCES: "Growing share o ... Show More
49m 55s
Jun 26
679. Why Does Vanderbilt Keep Winning?
It’s a hard time to run a university: public trust is low, political pressure is high, and finances are fragile. But Daniel Diermeier, who trained as a political scientist, has Vanderbilt humming. How? He says the key is choosing magnets over wedges. SOURCES: Daniel Diermeier, ch ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 24
The World Is (Still) Drowning in Sludge
Insurance forms that make no sense. Subscriptions that can’t be cancelled. A never-ending blizzard of automated notifications. In this update of a 2025 episode, Stephen Dubner discovers where all this sludge comes from — and how much it’s costing us. SOURCES: Benjamin Handel, pro ... Show More
54m 46s
Recommended Episodes
May 2021
How to turn grit into a lifelong habit | Angela Duckworth
What does it take to persevere and succeed, not just in our careers but in all aspects of our lives? For psychologist Angela Duckworth, the answer can be summed up in one concept: grit. She explains the ingredients in grit and the experiences that make one person persist where an ... Show More
1 h
May 2021
How to turn grit into a lifelong habit | Angela Duckworth
What does it take to persevere and succeed, not just in our careers but in all aspects of our lives? For psychologist Angela Duckworth, the answer can be summed up in one concept: grit. She explains the ingredients in grit and the experiences that make one person persist where an ... Show More
1 h
Jul 2021
How to turn grit into a lifelong habit | Angela Duckworth
What does it take to persevere and succeed, not just in our careers but in all aspects of our lives? For psychologist Angela Duckworth, the answer can be summed up in one concept: grit. She explains the ingredients in grit and the experiences that make one person persist where an ... Show More
1h 1m
Oct 2025
How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance
<p>What if the one thing that matters most for your success isn’t talent, luck, or intelligence, but something you can build starting today?  </p><p>In this eye-opening conversation, renowned psychologist Dr. Angela Duckworth joins Mel to reveal the real science of success and wh ... Show More
1h 35m
Oct 2019
[Rerun] Angela Duckworth on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela Duckworth researches self-control and grit, which is defined as passion and perseverance for long term goals. Her research has demonstrated that there are factors that can be more predictive of success than IQ. In this episode we cover some of her findings on grit, includi ... Show More
49m 27s
Apr 2021
#109 Angela Duckworth: Grit and Human Behavior
Angela Duckworth is the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the Founder and CEO of Character Lab, a not-for-profit whose mission is to advance the science and practice of character development. She’s also the author of Grit, a N ... Show More
1h 3m
Nov 2023
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
<p>Subscribe to the weekly newsletter to receive a detailed summary https://3minbooks.substack.com/</p> <p>In today&#39;s episode, we delve into the exhilarating world of Angela Duckworth&#39;s bestseller, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Join us as we explore the vit ... Show More
3m 37s
Oct 2020
Angela Duckworth | Grit and Beyond
<p>In many circles, Angela Duckworth’s name has become synonymous with the word grit, this elusive trait that fuels the sustained action-taking in the face of relentless adversity that leads to big achievements. Her book <em>Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance</em> was a ... Show More
1 h
May 2017
#099 The Secret Ingredient - A TED TALK on Passion and Perseverance
<p>Get the transcript at <a href= "http://www.feelgoodenglish.com/transcripts-subscribe/" target= "_blank">www.feelgoodenglish.com</a></p> <p>Today we are going to talk about a video, a TED Talk called The power of passion and perseverance, by professor and author Angela Lee Duck ... Show More
19m 21s