What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedGrit
Angela Duckworth · Book · 2018
If you loved Grit, start with The Resilient Mind — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Grit across media.
If you loved the way Grit frames success as an act of endurance, these stories explore the raw persistence behind achievement.
Films on the same thread
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig · Film · 2017
Explores: Mother-Daughter Relationship, Teenage Rebellion, Self-Discovery.
Like the subjects in Grit, Lady Bird demonstrates that self-discovery requires a persistent, often rebellious commitment to one's own vision despite the constraints of small-town life and family expectations.
Good Will Hunting
Film · 1997
Explores: Self-discovery, Overcoming trauma, Intellectual giftedness.
Will Hunting mirrors the internal struggle described in Grit, where intellectual talent remains unrefined until it is tempered by the hard work of confronting trauma and accepting professional mentorship.
Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón · Film · 2013
Explores: Isolation, Existentialism, Human Resilience.
Gravity illustrates the psychological resilience highlighted in Grit by placing a brilliant professional in an extreme environment where survival depends entirely on maintaining focus and composure under impossible pressure.
Rocky
John G. Avildsen · Film · 1976
Explores: American Dream, Overcoming Adversity, Love and Relationships.
Rocky embodies the core philosophy of Grit by proving that outstanding achievement is defined by the refusal to give up, turning an underdog's persistence into a defining moment of victory.
Series on the same thread
Cheer
Series · 2020
Explores: Teamwork, Perseverance, Overcoming Adversity.
The athletes in Cheer demonstrate the blend of passion and persistence defined in Grit, showing that the pursuit of excellence requires brutal dedication and the ability to overcome significant adversity.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank · Series · 2020
Explores: Chess, Addiction, Orphan.
The Queen's Gambit showcases how natural genius is only the starting point, mirroring the lesson in Grit that long-term success is built through intense, disciplined practice and mental fortitude.
Podcasts on the same thread
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Grit: Resilience.
This podcast serves as an extension of the principles found in Grit, offering actionable insights on how to cultivate the mindset and resilience necessary to reach peak performance levels.
The Resilient Mind
Podcast
Shares a thread with Grit: Personal Development.
If you found the research in Grit compelling, this podcast provides practical strategies to strengthen your own mental resilience and thrive while navigating the inevitable challenges of your long-term goals.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Grit based on the personal experiences of Angela Duckworth?
Yes, the book draws on the author's personal background. Angela Duckworth writes from her perspective as the daughter of a scientist who often questioned her genius, which eventually led her to research the importance of passion and persistence in achieving long-term success.
What is the primary argument presented in Grit?
In Grit, Angela Duckworth argues that outstanding achievement is not primarily driven by innate talent. Instead, she posits that the secret to success is a specific combination of passion and persistence, which she defines as grit, regardless of one's initial level of natural ability.
Who is the intended audience for Grit?
Grit is written for anyone striving to succeed. It serves as inspiration for individuals who do not consider themselves geniuses but want to understand how to reach their goals through the development of passion and persistence rather than relying solely on talent.
How does Angela Duckworth define the concept of grit in her book?
In her book Grit, Angela Duckworth defines the concept as a special blend of passion and persistence. She explores how this specific trait is the key factor behind outstanding achievement, countering the common belief that success is dictated by natural talent alone.