Most people want to be successful in life, but only a few are able to be so. But, have you ever wondered what are the things that successful people are doing differently or certain personality traits that sets them apart from the rest? Well, in a famous TED Talk, Angela Lee Duckworth– a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania– shared the one simple trait that makes certain people more successful than others in life. Interestingly, she even shared that this trait isn’t intrinsic and instead, it can be cultivated over time– Which means one’s success is in their own hands!Intriguing, isn’t it? Read on to know what it is. Qualities that make one successful, as per psychologistPsychologist Angela Lee Duckworth studied different groups of people — from military cadets at West Point to students competing in spelling bees, and even employees in demanding corporate jobs. Her findings were eye-opening. Qualities such as high IQ, charm, or even strong social skills did not really predict who would achieve the most in life. Instead, she discovered a very different trait that set apart those who were successful from those who gave up too soon.The number one trait that makes one successful is…That trait, Duckworth explained, is grit. She describes grit as the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It’s about holding on to your vision for the future and continuing to work toward it day after day, even when the process is slow, frustrating, or filled with failures.Speaking about this, she said in her TED Talk, “Grit is sticking with your future day in and day out, not just for the week or the month, but for years.” Her research in Chicago public schools revealed that students who scored higher on grit questionnaires were more likely to graduate than peers with the same academic abilities and similar family backgrounds. In other words, persistence mattered more than natural talent or favorable circumstances.Can grit be developed?This brings us to the next big question: If grit is so important, how do we build it? Duckworth connects grit to another powerful idea — the growth mindset, a term coined by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck.It is often said that ‘One’s attitude determines their altitude’ and rightly so! Growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed traits but can improve with effort, practice, and persistence. When children (and adults) understand that their brains can grow stronger and better when challenged, they start to view failure differently. Instead of getting bogged down with challenges or a failed attempt, they take it as an opportunity to learn and try again. This positive attitude towards life’s challenges makes them more resilient and persistent towards their goals.Duckworth points out that teaching this mindset can make a real difference in one’s life. “When kids learn about how the brain changes with challenge, they are more likely to persevere when they fail,” she explained. This shift in perspective turns failure into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.A broader view of achievementDuckworth’s focus on grit has gained worldwide attention, but it has also invited debate. Some critics argue that emphasising only on grit risks ignoring structural issues like poverty, unequal opportunities, or systemic barriers that also impact success. Duckworth herself acknowledges this, clarifying that grit is not the only factor — but it is an important piece of the puzzle. “The question is not whether grit or structural barriers matter more... It’s that they are intertwined,” she said.Her research ultimately challenges us to rethink what we value in education and work. For decades, society has celebrated intelligence, grades, and test scores as the main indicators of potential. Duckworth’s work reminds us that resilience, patience, and long-term dedication might be even more important for sustainable achievement.Why grit matters now more than everIn today’s world, where technology and global shifts are constantly reshaping careers, the ability to adapt and persist has never been more essential. A degree or a high IQ alone is no longer enough. What often determines whether someone continues to grow and succeed is their willingness to stay the course when challenges appear.Duckworth’s message resonates strongly with students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders alike. It suggests that brilliance may open doors, but resilience keeps you walking through them. The bigger challenge for schools, workplaces, and even families is finding ways to nurture grit in the next generation — teaching people not just how to succeed when things go well, but how to rise again when things go wrong.
