Grit: The Career Superpower Nobody Talks About
Why Grit Matters More Than Talent
Angela Duckworth's research in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance upended the conventional wisdom about success. Her key finding: grit — the combination of sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals — outpredicts talent, IQ, and pedigree as a driver of achievement.
That's good news for anyone who's ever felt like they weren't the smartest person in the room. You don't have to be. You have to be the most committed.
What Grit Looks Like in a Career
It's staying committed to your direction even when progress feels slow. Career growth isn't linear. The professionals who build extraordinary careers are the ones who keep going during the plateaus.
It's treating setbacks as data, not defeat. Got passed over for a promotion? Lost out on a job you wanted? Gritty professionals don't spiral — they analyze what happened, adjust their approach, and keep moving.
It's saying no to shiny distractions. Grit isn't about doing everything. It's about doing the right things consistently over time. That means having the discipline to stay focused on your core career goals even when something flashy comes along.
How to Build More Grit
Get clear on your long-term direction. Grit requires something to be gritty about. If you don't have a clear career vision, that's the first thing to work on.
Practice deliberate improvement. Don't just repeat what you're already good at. Push into the areas where you struggle. That's where growth happens.
Find a community. Grit is easier to sustain when you're surrounded by other ambitious, growth-oriented people. Build a network of peers who push you forward.
Celebrate consistency, not just outcomes. Did you post on LinkedIn every week this month? Did you reach out to 3 new people in your network? Did you update your skills section? Those consistent small actions compound into career-changing results.
Ready to apply some grit to your LinkedIn? Start with an audit from Avery and get a clear roadmap for improvement.