Angela Duckworth is an American psychologist and author known for her work on grit and self-control. She is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit organization that advances the science and practice of character development in children.
Angela Duckworth was born on January 23, 1970, in the United States.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard College, where she graduated magna cum laude.
After working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, she went to the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.
She completed her PhD in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she now teaches.
In 2013, she won a MacArthur Fellowship for her work on grit.
She has written a bestselling book on grit, titled 'Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance', which was published in 2016.
Carol Dweck is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the author of 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'. Like Duckworth, Dweck is interested in individual achievement, but her work focuses more on the role of mindset and belief in success.
Martin Seligman is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of 'Learned Optimism' and 'Authentic Happiness'. He is one of the founders of the field of positive psychology, which is concerned with the scientific study of human flourishing and well-being.
Adam Grant is a professor of management and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of 'Give and Take' and 'Originals'. His work focuses on how people can make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.
A bestselling book that explores the psychology of achievement and the role of grit in success. Based on research conducted over several years, 'Grit' offers insights into the qualities that allow some people to sustain their motivation and pursue their goals with passion and persistence.
A series of evidence-based guides for educators that provide practical strategies for promoting character development in children. Each playbook focuses on a specific character trait, such as grit, self-control, or growth mindset.
A podcast hosted by Angela Duckworth that explores the art and science of rethinking. Each episode features a conversation with a guest who has experienced a rethink in their personal or professional life, offering insights into how we can all become more effective and adaptable thinkers.
Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance that allows individuals to pursue their long-term goals with sustained effort and interest, despite obstacles and setbacks. It involves having a sense of purpose, practicing delayed gratification, and maintaining hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Developing grit involves cultivating a growth mindset, setting goals that align with your values, and practicing deliberate practice. It also involves finding ways to stay motivated and overcome setbacks, such as seeking social support and developing a gratitude practice.
Character Lab is a nonprofit organization founded by Angela Duckworth that aims to advance the science and practice of character development in children. It provides resources and guidance to educators and parents, conducts research, and develops evidence-based interventions to promote character strengths such as grit, curiosity, and kindness.
Growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, hard work, and dedication. It is contrasted with a fixed mindset, which assumes that our traits and abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. Research has shown that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through challenges and achieve their long-term goals.
Deliberate practice is a structured and intentional form of skill development that involves repeated practice of specific tasks, feedback, and refinement. It is characterized by focused attention, clear goals, and a willingness to push beyond one's comfort zone. Research has shown that deliberate practice is a key factor in achieving expertise in specific domains.