Last week, I listened to Angela Duckworth’s Grit again. I listened to it 5 years ago, but this time it felt completely different.
I had tears in my eyes many times. Not because the book was sad or dramatic, but because so many of her stories finally connected with me. Growing up in Turkey with ambitious parents, a lot of what she shared felt familiar and personal.
One story touched me deeply. When she expected appreciation for her hard work during her PHD but received harsh criticism instead from her Professor. She cried in her office, went home, and cried to her husband.
I had a lunch date with my husband and told him about this part. I said, “This is exactly what I do!” When I feel disappointed at work or deal with difficult people, I cry too! First on my own, and then to my husband. After going through this book again, I feel I can actually apply her tools and become stronger and better.
Also, hearing that someone like Angela Duckworth also has those moments made me feel less alone.
She is human. I am human. We are all trying!
And I loved learning about deliberate practice
I didn’t remember this part from 5 years ago, but this time it finally made sense.
Angela explains that effort isn’t just about working hard.
It’s about intentionally practicing in a way that actually moves you forward:
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Setting a narrow, specific goal
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Giving it your full concentration
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Getting immediate feedback
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Reflecting and adjusting
Simple, but powerful — and for the first time, I finally got it.
It gave me hope, and the research she shared from so many incredible people made me feel positive about what’s possible.
What I want next
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I want to keep growing personally and professionally
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I want to get better at my work
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I want to be more patient with myself
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And I want to teach my kids that effort matters more than talent — and be a role model for them
I’m grateful I listened to the book again. My next goal is to explore the resources on Angela Duckworth’s website and keep practicing what I learned.
I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!