Grit: (Vermilion Life Essentials)

As expected

First off, this book is very well written. Has a nice flow to it and is easy to understand. That said...This book reminds me of how the government will spend millions of dollars on a study to tell you something you already know: "After an exhaustive multi-year study costing $10 million dollars, we have concluded that ice is cold to the touch." This book is very much like that. I can't think of one single concept presented in the book that isn't already common knowledge. Example: Hard work and perseverance can make up for lack of talent. Who doesn't already know this? Here's another one: People who like what they are doing (passion), usually do better than those who do not. Every single point made in this book is about that profound. And, if you are looking for proven ways to increase you own "grit," forget about it--they are not there.This material might make for a good 10-page whitepaper, but it isn't nearly deep enough to make into a 300 page book. Because of that, there is just major filler in the form of stories about successful people.Lastly, like another reviewer pointed out, this book has a self-righteous undertone to it. The author burns a lot of ink making sure you think she's smart and important.I'll save you $20: The most successful people work really hard at something they like and don't give up.

I normally never post a review on Amazon, but in this case I simply could not stop mysefl from posting it, as I had great expectations about this book after seeying the TED talk of Ms. Duckworth and hearing a Freakonomics podcast with her. In the end, I was disappointed.Please also excuse grammar/ spelling, as I'm writing this from Russia and I'm not a native English speaker.This book tells us that grit (and not talent or luck) is essential for success in life.The reader will find multiple anecdotes on how so-and-so achieved much by perseverence, passion and not giving up.So half of the book is dedicated to showing a reader how important is grit for success (quite convincingly, but to my taste, way too extensively; couple of anecdotes and studies mentioned would have done as good as these several chapters). Along with anecdotes some (quite robust) scientific evidence is given.What the book lacks completely, is scientifically based advice HOW TO BUILD GRIT. As someone, who struggles to be gritty in my daily life, I had great hopes to find valuable hints in this book. There are a few, but very "soft" ones (like the author assumes they should work, but being honest with the reader, concedes that there is no evidence behind these tips).

It started out as a great book, but it never transitioned. You're stuck reading about the same argument, but she backs it up using way too many studies. Shrink the book, reduce the content, and it'll be a great book. In fact, it takes a Gritty person like myself to finish this book. My first book review on Amazon, I just had to let everyone know... every page is the same. I finished it, just for the sake of finishing (like I do all my books).

I found this book to be the perfect hybrid of informative and motivating. If you're looking for a book that will help educate you as to what you should do in your life and how you can be successful doing it, then this is the book for you. It lays out chapter-by-chapter both the science and the steps you'll need to take in order to make changes in your life that will lead you to success or at least put you on the path towards it. The mix of anecdotes, profiles, scientific studies, and personal stories all combine to form a really easy-to-read and educational book that is laid out and displayed in a simple yet interesting way. Below I took a crack at the things I'm going to do now going forward as a result of reading this book:1. Define what success looks like (i.e., I want to get into politics and would eventually like to become a Senator)2. Clearly define my goals in terms of short-term, medium-term and long-term3. Assign myself stretch goals4. Reflect and learn from any obstacles or challenges or failures faced5. Begin deliberate practice in my field (repeatedly stepping outside my comfort zone and trying activities beyond my current abilities)6. Seek a coach and / or mentor7. Gather and then grow a support network of friends, family, and industry professionals8. Become even more obsessed / interested in my field and consume myself with news, books, articles, lectures, etc.9. Learn from others who are where I want to be10. Never become complacent or satisfied