An instant fixture on the New York Times bestseller list, Angela Duckworth's breakout hit - praised in People as "inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere" - shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls "grit" The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of "genius," Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early, eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of desire and long-term perseverance.