In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent. She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism. The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders. Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.
Finding your purpose can sometimes feel like a ‘should’—something we’re all expected to have figured out. The pressure to find a perfect purpose can leave us feeling stuck or unsure, especially when career paths are more squiggly than straightforward. But does having a purpose really matter? And if so, how do you stay connected to it?
In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the difference between having a purpose and feeling purposeful at work. You’ll learn how to reflect on what truly motivates you, define your squiggly career sweet spot and connect with your core values—even if you’re still figuring things out.
(00:00) The problem with 'purpose'
(07:00) Why do we care about purposeful work?
(08:39) Finding your squiggly career sweet spot
(09:36) Defining your core values
(11:02) Defining your strengths
(13:10) Energy audits
(14:14) What do you want to make better?
(16:35) What do you care about that's bigger than your job?
(18:42) ChatGPT 1 sentence purpose statement
(21:05) Summary
📚 Resources Mentioned:
McKinsey Research Paper: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-search-for-purpose-at-work
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: https://shorturl.at/b6oFv
Values Tools Kit: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/
16 Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/
Principles you: https://principlesyou.com/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers
For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com
More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:
1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/
2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024
3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction
4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)
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Squiggly Careers 