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: Ego is the Enemy

 

Ryan Holiday’s “Ego is the Enemy” is a powerful exploration of how our own ego can sabotage our success and happiness. Drawing from ancient philosophy, particularly Stoicism, and modern examples, Holiday presents a compelling case for humility, self-awareness, and purpose-driven action.

The book is structured around three key phases of life: aspiration, success, and failure. Holiday argues that ego is a threat in each of these stages, whether it’s overestimating our abilities when starting out, becoming complacent with success, or allowing pride to prevent us from learning from our failures.

As someone who has grappled with ego-driven decisions, I found Holiday’s insights both challenging and liberating. His anecdotes about historical figures and contemporary leaders provide vivid illustrations of ego’s pitfalls and the benefits of its absence.

Holiday, a marketing strategist turned philosophical writer, brings a unique blend of practical wisdom and scholarly depth to his work. His accessible writing style makes complex ideas digestible without sacrificing their impact.

“Ego is the Enemy” is essential reading for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and personal growth. It offers a powerful antidote to the cult of self-esteem and self-promotion that dominates much of our culture. By advocating for humility, continuous learning, and focus on the work itself rather than recognition, Holiday provides a roadmap for genuine achievement and fulfillment.

Questions to ponder:

1. How has ego influenced your own decision-making in the past?

2. In what ways can you cultivate humility and self-awareness in your personal or professional life?

3. How might applying the book’s principles change your approach to failure or setbacks?

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/4isnKIz  (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.