Grit: Why we all need it and how our kits can help

By Ariel

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth answers one of life's seemingly unanswerable questions, “why do some people succeed while others fail?” What is the elusive secret ingredient? Duckworth reveals that grit, not natural talent, is the largest predictor of success. Grit is passion and sustained persistence in pursuit of a long term goal for the sheer joy of achievement. We like to believe that you either have “it” or you don’t. We cling to natural talent because it lets us off the hook. I haven’t succeeded? Well I must not have “it.” The truth is that we don’t have “it,” yet. It being grit and yet being the key word! Because as Duckworth shows us you can grow grit from both the outside in and the inside out. And, for those of us willing to put in the work, THAT is a comforting thought.

Duckworth’s research started out in the halls of West Point studying retention in first year cadets. Now you and I may not be staring down four years at one of the nation’s premier military academies but all of us - all of us - could stand to be grittier. Busy Nest News chose to create a series of book club kits inspired by Grit because the knowledge contained within is applicable to us all. Whether you are a team of budding entrepreneurs looking for tools to grow your business or parents looking for tools to simply get through the day with your toddler, you can benefit from this kit.
 The need to be grittier spans the personal and professions. Duckworth’s step-by-step guide for growing grit is intended for you, as an individual, and you, as a leader whether you are a leader of little ones (a parent or teacher) or a leader amongst your peers (manager supervisor, team leader etc.) The book shows us how to grow grit within ourselves, and within those we are responsible for.

Busy Nest News has created several book club kits for Duckworth’s Grit, including the Grit Full-size, the Grit Mini Kit and the Grit Mini Kit: Military Edition, so no matter the intended audience, you can get the most out of this ground-breaking book.

 The Grit Full size kit comes with a Discussion Leader's Guide, Members Only Guide, social media-ready posts, activities, ice breakers and a bookmark making it the perfect choice for running your virtual book club through Facebook or a comparable online platform. With the full-size kit you set a steady pace, allowing readers to get the most out of the book - discussing challenging concepts with peers as the book unfolds. If you are looking to inspire extended learning in a professional team the full-size kit is the right choice for you. If you are a group of parents who need a bit more time to dig into the concepts; this size is a good fit as well.
 
The Grit Mini Kit comes with tips to run your meeting, an ice breaker, a bookmark, two activities and 36 questions making it the perfect choice for a book club that meets regularly in person (or virtually). Also known as the one-and-done the mini kit sets you up for success if you run a more traditional book club.

 The military edition is perfect for recruiters, guidance counselors or career planners looking to give young men and women the tools necessary to make it through boot camp or basic training and on to a flourishing career in the military. What distinguishes the recruits who make it from the recruits who wash out? Most often it is grit, the ability to endure and push towards a big goal. So grab the book and a copy of our military edition and let us help increase retention rates.

It has been said again and again, “Everything is hard until it is easy.” So whether your personal crucible is the actual crucible during Marine Corps boot camp or the long and arduous task of remaining hopeful while you build your business, let us help you unpack Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.