When we can’t see the finish line, grit is that inner engine that keeps us moving forward, even when every logical part of our brain is screaming to quit. It’s the raw fuel for long-term success.
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Meaning
It’s about the power of perseverance in the face of uncertainty. When you have no guarantee of success, no visible reward on the horizon, that’s when grit kicks in and does its real work.
Explanation
Look, we all love a clear target. A project with a defined end date. A sales goal that’s black and white. But the big stuff? The stuff that truly matters? It’s almost always a foggy path. You’re building a business, raising a child, mastering a craft. There is no clear finish line. And that’s where most people stall out. Grit is what separates the dreamers from the doers in that fog. It’s the daily decision to take one more step, even a small one, fueled by a deep, almost stubborn passion for the goal itself, not just the outcome. It’s not about blind hustle; it’s about committed, focused effort when the external validation is zero.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | grit (20), perseverance (25), uncertainty (21) |
| Literary Style | concise (408), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | hopeful (357), lively (108) |
| Overall Quote Score | 83 (302) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Angela Duckworth’s 2016 book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. It’s a core concept from her extensive research, primarily in the United States, into what drives high achievement. You won’t find it mistakenly attributed to other thinkers; this is pure Duckworth.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dr Angela Duckworth (58) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (58) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Angela Duckworth is a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor and MacArthur Fellow whose research focuses on grit, self-control, and achievement. She taught middle school before earning her PhD at Penn and later founded Character Lab to advance the science of character development. Her bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has shaped thinking in education and performance science. She co-hosts No Stupid Questions on the Freakonomics network. If you’re browsing the Angela Duckworth book list, you’ll find practical, research-backed guidance for cultivating passion and perseverance.
| Official Website
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | When we can’t see the finish line, grit keeps us moving anyway |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2016; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1501111105; Last edition: Scribner 2016; Number of pages: 352 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 10: Conclusion, page 214 (2016 Edition) |