Angela Duckworth

Overview

Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., is a psychologist, MacArthur Fellow, and bestselling author of Grit and Situated. She is the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and studies the personal qualities and situational factors that support achievement and well-being.

Duckworth’s public work helps people understand that outstanding achievement depends not only on talent, but on passion and persistence—grit—and on designing situations that bring out our best.

What they teach

Key ideas include:

• Grit as passion and perseverance for long-term goals
• How situations and environments shape behavior and outcomes
• Evidence-based strategies to create conditions for flourishing
• Education and policy-relevant research (including school phone policy work via Phones in Focus)

Books and initiatives translate research into guidance for students, professionals, educators, and leaders.

Who it's for

• Students, parents, and educators building perseverance cultures
• Professionals who want research-backed achievement frameworks
• Leaders designing environments that support performance and wellbeing
• Readers of psychology nonfiction seeking actionable insight

Frequently asked

Is grit just “try harder”?

Duckworth’s work is more precise—passion plus long-term perseverance, paired with situational design, not empty slogans.

What’s *Situated* about?

It explores how situations shape who we are and what we achieve, with strategies to build better contexts.

Relevant beyond schools?

Yes—achievement and wellbeing themes apply to workplaces and adult learning as well as education.

Where should I start?

Many readers begin with Grit; educators and leaders may go next to situational/policy-oriented resources.