Book Review - Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

🧠 What’s It About?

Grit explores why some people thrive through challenge while others give up. Duckworth argues that long-term success isn’t about talent or even motivation, it’s about grit: the mix of passion + perseverance that helps you show up consistently, especially when things get tough.

For first responders, this book reframes the idea that strength comes from pushing harder. Instead, it shows that true growth happens when you commit to long-term purpose, even if the path isn’t linear, and even when you need to pause, recover, or pivot.

🔥 Why It Matters for First Responders

Paramedics face relentless pressure to perform, show resilience, and always be “on.” But Duckworth’s research shows that grit doesn’t mean running on empty. It means staying connected to what matters, even when life takes you off-road.

If you’ve stepped back, gone part-time, or are questioning what’s next, Grit offers a powerful reminder:
you’re still in the game ... as long as you’re still growing.

🔑 Key Takeaways for First Responders

1. Grit Is Built, Not Born

You don’t need to be naturally gifted to succeed, you just need to care deeply and keep showing up. And showing up looks different in different seasons.

💡 Try this: Reflect on one area in your life or work where you’ve stayed committed, even when it was hard. That’s grit.

2. Effort Counts Twice

Duckworth introduces this formula:

Talent × Effort = Skill
Skill × Effort = Achievement

This means effort compounds. Even small actions taken consistently, especially during time off, can create big outcomes later.

💡 Try this: Choose one personal goal and apply consistent, low-pressure effort over the next 30 days (e.g. study, fitness, writing, creative work).

3. Purpose Fuels Persistence

People with grit often tie their work to a deeper purpose. For paramedics, reconnecting with why you started, especially after burnout or fatigue, can reignite your path.

💡 Try this: Ask yourself: What’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey that I still care about sharing or building on?

4. Setbacks Are Part of the Process

Grit isn’t about avoiding difficulty, it’s about building the capacity to keep going through it. That includes rest, healing, and recalibrating your direction.

💡 Try this: Write down one setback you’ve faced in the last year, and beside it, list one thing you learned from it. That’s progress.

✅ Respondr Reflection Prompt:

• What am I working toward that still matters to me ... even if I’ve taken the long road?

• How have I demonstrated grit in my own way ... on or off the job?

• What does perseverance look like for me right now?

🔁 Final Takeaway:

You don’t have to be the best, the busiest, or the most advanced to be successful.
You just have to keep showing up for what matters, with care, consistency, and a long-term view.

That’s grit. And it looks good on you.

You can access Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth via print, digital or audio format. For more resources there is a link to her webpage below.