Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Grit to Great summary
Linda Kaplan Thaler
Robin Koval
How Perseverance, Passion, and Pluck Take You from Ordinary to Extraordinary
13 mins
Brief summary
Grit to Great by Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval tells us how grit and perseverance can help to achieve success. It provides real-life examples and actionable advice for developing grit and resilience in pursuit of our goals.
Topics
Table of Contents
Grit to Great
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
Talent won’t get you as far as hard work and passion.
Have you ever had the feeling that others excelled without trying, seemingly coasting on their talent? In schools the world over, some kids never study yet get great grades while others are bent over their books all the time just to keep up. But the truth is that those who rely on talent won’t get far in life.
In fact, talent is totally overrated. That’s because plenty of talented people have the potential for greatness, but realize from a young age that they can get by on their talent without hard work. On the other hand, less-talented people strive for success and self-improvement. They seek out subjects and jobs they care about, not just ones they are naturally good at.
So, while it might seem as though talented people are the winners of the world, it’s actually those that have to work harder who end up being the most successful. That’s because while talented people dream, others achieve.
Take a look at a study conducted in New York by the psychology professor Gabriele Oettingen comparing the study habits and later careers of graduate students. The analysis found that the students who spent more time daydreaming about their aspirations than actually knuckling down to work ended up with fewer job offers and smaller paychecks following graduation than those who put in long hours!
Hard work will help get you the job you want. For instance, the authors run an advertising agency, and a few years ago they were desperate to land a big new client – the restaurant giant Wendy’s.
Their strategy?
They pulled 70- and 80-hour weeks for months, even going as far as to work at Wendy’s themselves to learn the inside scoop on their operations. Not a waking minute went by that they weren’t preparing for their presentation. Well, they landed the contract and Wendy’s said they chose the firm because they worked the hardest – and therefore would be the best.
Want to see all full key ideas from Grit to Great?
Key ideas in Grit to Great
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Grit to Great about?
Many people have talent, but few become stars in their chosen profession. In Grit to Great (2015), two women at the top of the advertising business offer their guide to developing the resilience and hard graft that will help you succeed.
Grit to Great Review
Grit to Great by Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval (2015) is an empowering book that explores the power of perseverance and passion in achieving success. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- With its inspiring stories of ordinary people who achieved extraordinary success, the book motivates readers to tap into their own grit and follow their dreams.
- The authors provide practical strategies for cultivating grit, such as setting achievable goals, embracing failure, and maintaining a positive mindset.
- Through real-life examples and insightful anecdotes, the book keeps readers engaged and entertained, ensuring that the journey towards greatness is never boring.
Best quote from Grit to Great
Grit is about sweat, not swagger. Character, not charisma.
—Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval
Who should read Grit to Great?
- Anyone who wants to improve themselves and reach their goals
- People interested in the psychology of success
- Entrepreneurs and anyone interested in breaking out on their own
Categories with Grit to Great
Book summaries like Grit to Great
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Grit to Great FAQs
What is the main message of Grit to Great?
The main message of Grit to Great is that with determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve success.
How long does it take to read Grit to Great?
The reading time for Grit to Great varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Grit to Great a good book? Is it worth reading?
Grit to Great is a valuable read for anyone looking to unlock their potential. It provides inspiring stories and actionable strategies for achieving success.
Who is the author of Grit to Great?
The author of Grit to Great is Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval.
What to read after Grit to Great?
If you're wondering what to read next after Grit to Great, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Science of Living by Stuart Farrimond
- The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton
- Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
- Head Strong by Dave Asprey
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Manage Your Day-To-Day by 99U and Jocelyn K. Glei
- Getting It Done When You're Depressed by Julie A. Fast
- The Hidden Habits of Genius by Craig Wright
- Better Small Talk by Patrick King