Book Review: GRIT

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book shares that the secret to achievement is grit, defined as a blend of passion and persistence.

There are three parts: Part I: what grit is and why it matters; Part II: growing grit from the inside out; and Part III: growing grit from the outside in. The reader will learn how effort counts twice (over talent), how to become grittier, how lifelong interests are triggered, how to develop habits of daily practice, how to connect work to a purpose, and the importance of outside influencers (parents, coaches, teachers, bosses, mentors, friends).

Everyone should read this book to succeed at being a better person for yourself, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

The author shares her own discoveries, studies, and real-world examples to explain concepts. It is engaging, thought-provoking, and inspirational.

This is not for the reader expecting shortcuts or a fast track to success.

View all my reviews on Goodreads. Or, read the full review on LinkedIn, including highlighted quotes.

Book Review: Unfollow Your Passion

Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You by Terri Trespicio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book has three parts: unsubscribe, uncover, and unleash. In part one, the reader is encouraged to unsubscribe from limiting beliefs, biases, and expectations, both real and imagined. Uncover your skills, perspective, and talents in part two. Then, in part three, unleash—figure out how to have fun and fulfillment without control and learn to let go. The author provides insights into human nature, lessons she has learned, and exercises at the end of each chapter to prompt you to explore, connect, and move forward toward your own self-actualization and contentment. I would recommend this book to someone in their 20s or 30s or if you are soul searching about your own career choices.

Favorite bits:
Tips for Staying in Your Comfort Zone pp.29-30
• Define it
• Be unapologetic about it
• Process in the comfort zone
• Lean into what you’re good at
• Prevent hunger, nausea, and exhaustion
• Make your zone invite-only

How to Think like an Indispensable Person pp. 170-174
• Question what’s been done
• Have an opinion
• Explore your off-label uses
• Don’t apologize for not being a standard poodle
• Don’t be grabby
• Keep your options open
• Change how someone sees themselves or their work

The author shares her personal stories and opinions frankly and unapologetically. There are many practical takeaways—for someone of any age or time in their life—to ponder and act upon. At the end of each chapter are exercises and prompts to get the reader thinking. The way she flips conventions upside down, e.g., the bucket list mindset, is refreshing and thought-provoking.

Some parts of the book seemed too long, and I skimmed over some stories that were unrelatable to me. But overall, I liked the book.


View all my reviews on Goodreads; or read this review on LinkedIn.