marquesmind Book Discussion: Grit

 

Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is a masterclass in redefining success. This New York Times bestseller argues that talent alone doesn’t guarantee achievement—it’s grit, the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals, that truly sets high achievers apart. Through engaging stories about West Point cadets, spelling bee champions, and Olympic athletes, Duckworth shows how grit can be cultivated and why it matters more than IQ or luck.

Duckworth’s own journey is as inspiring as her research. A psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, she grew up being told she wasn’t a “genius.” Yet, her relentless curiosity led her to groundbreaking studies on character development, earning her a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. Her ability to combine scientific rigor with relatable storytelling makes this book both insightful and practical.

Why should you read Grit? Because it’s a wake-up call for anyone who has ever doubted their potential. Duckworth provides actionable strategies to help readers develop grit, like identifying your passion, setting long-term goals, and embracing what she calls the “Hard Thing Rule.” Whether you’re a parent looking to instill resilience in your children or an individual striving for personal growth, this book offers a roadmap to lasting success. It’s not just about achieving goals—it’s about transforming how you approach challenges.

Engage with These Questions:

1. Do you believe perseverance can outweigh talent in achieving success? Why or why not?

2. Have you ever stuck with a challenging goal? What kept you going?

3. How might adopting the “Hard Thing Rule” change your daily habits?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4iRcExH (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

marquesmind Book Discussion: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

 

Ryan Holiday’s “The Obstacle Is the Way” is a powerful guide to turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Drawing inspiration from ancient Stoic philosophy, Holiday presents a timeless framework for overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.

The book is structured around three core principles: perception, action, and will. Holiday argues that by shifting our perspective, taking decisive action, and cultivating inner resilience, we can transform obstacles into stepping stones toward our goals. Through compelling anecdotes of historical figures like Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart, and Theodore Roosevelt, Holiday illustrates how this mindset has been applied to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

As a reader, I found Holiday’s practical approach to Stoicism refreshing and applicable to modern life. His insights on embracing discomfort, maintaining objectivity, and persevering through setbacks resonated deeply with my own experiences facing challenges in both personal and professional spheres.

Holiday, a marketing strategist turned philosophical writer, brings a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance to his work. His accessible writing style makes complex Stoic principles digestible for a wide audience, without sacrificing depth or impact.

“The Obstacle Is the Way” is essential reading for anyone seeking to develop mental toughness and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable trials. It offers a powerful antidote to the victim mentality, empowering readers to take control of their responses to adversity and use obstacles as catalysts for personal growth.

Questions to ponder:

1. How might applying the book’s principles change your approach to a current challenge in your life?

2. Which historical example from the book resonated most with you, and why?

3. In what ways can the Stoic approach to obstacles enhance your decision-making process?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4i7LVwu  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Episode 4 - marquesmind Book Discussion: Can't Hurt Me

David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me” is a raw and powerful memoir that challenges readers to push beyond their perceived limits. This brutally honest account of Goggins’ journey from an abused child to a decorated Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete is both harrowing and deeply inspiring.

Goggins doesn’t sugarcoat his past or his methods. He recounts his struggles with poverty, racism, and obesity, detailing how he transformed himself through sheer force of will. His “40% Rule” - the idea that we typically only tap into 40% of our capabilities - serves as a cornerstone of his philosophy, urging readers to dig deeper and find their true potential.

What sets this book apart is Goggins’ unflinching examination of pain and discomfort as tools for growth. He argues that by deliberately seeking out challenges and embracing suffering, we can callous our minds and achieve the seemingly impossible. His own life serves as a testament to this approach, from his grueling military training to his record-breaking athletic feats.

As someone who often grapples with self-doubt, I found Goggins’ message both challenging and empowering. His emphasis on accountability and mental toughness provides a framework for personal growth that extends far beyond physical achievements.

“Can’t Hurt Me” is essential reading for anyone seeking to break free from self-imposed limitations. Goggins’ story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, we are capable of far more than we imagine. While his methods may seem extreme, the underlying principles of self-discipline, perseverance, and mental resilience are universally applicable.

Questions to ponder:

1. How might applying Goggins’ “40% Rule” change your approach to personal challenges?

2. In what ways can embracing discomfort lead to growth in your own life?

3. How does Goggins’ emphasis on self-accountability challenge your current mindset?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/41WH23m (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Episode 1 - marquesmind Book Discussion: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do

 

Amy Morin’s 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: A Blueprint for Resilience

Amy Morin’s 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do isn’t just a self-help book—it’s a wake-up call to rewrite unhealthy mental habits. Drawing from her experience as a psychotherapist and her own journey through grief (losing her husband at 26), Morin identifies 13 toxic behaviors that sabotage resilience, offering actionable strategies to replace them with strength. The book’s premise is simple yet profound: mental strength isn’t about what you do but what you stop doing.

Why Amy Morin’s Voice Resonates

Morin is no armchair theorist. A licensed clinical social worker and TEDx speaker with over 22 million views, she blends clinical expertise with raw honesty. Her viral 2013 article evolved into this bestselling guide, translated into 40+ languages. Forbes hails her as a “thought leadership star,” and her advice has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to Psychology Today. What sets Morin apart is her empathy—she writes as someone who’s navigated darkness and emerged stronger.

Why This Book Matters

This isn’t abstract advice. Each chapter tackles a specific pitfall—like self-pity, people-pleasing, or fearing change—with real-world examples (e.g., a recovering alcoholic swapping bar trips for walks with friends). Morin’s “What’s Helpful vs. What’s Not” sections offer concrete steps, making growth feel achievable. She doesn’t just diagnose problems; she hands you tools to fix them.

The book’s genius lies in reframing mental strength as a daily practice. As Morin writes, “Mental strength is like physical strength—you can’t wish for it, you have to train for it.” Whether you’re battling burnout, navigating loss, or simply seeking grit, her insights cut through platitudes.

Questions to Spark Reflection:

1. Which of the 13 habits do you struggle with most—and what small step could disrupt it today?

2. How might embracing “alone time” (habit #11) transform your relationship with yourself?

3. Can society’s emphasis on “positivity” sometimes hinder authentic mental strength?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/3CBhT4C (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.