Duckworth's philosophy centers on the idea that grit, which she defines as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, is a crucial predictor of success. She argues that individuals who possess high levels of grit are more likely to achieve their goals and excel in their pursuits, regardless of their initial talent or intelligence.

Grit involves the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and setbacks. Duckworth encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than giving up when things get tough, she believes the key is in practicing resilience and working hard. Establishing daily rituals and habits is also important to support long-term goals. She believes that consistency in effort, even on a small scale, can contribute significantly to building grit over time.

Duckworth emphasizes the importance of discovering what we are truly passionate about. This involves exploring different interests and reflecting on what excites and motivates us. Grit is more likely to develop when we are pursuing goals that align with our passions and values. Once we have identified our passions, she advocates that we set clear and challenging long-term goals related to it. These goals should be meaningful and have a purpose that resonates with us. Grit is often about persevering through obstacles to achieve these goals.

Duckworth firmly believes that effective education should center on cultivating character strengths, including grit, which is just as important as developing academic skills. She believes that educators should focus not only on teaching content but also on fostering qualities like resilience, self-control, and a growth mindset in students. Duckworth's research suggests that character development can significantly impact students' long-term success, and she advocates for educational practices that prioritize character growth alongside academic achievement.

Duckworth deeply believes in the Hard Thing Rule, a rule that she enforces in her family. This practice means that each family member must choose a hard thing (a challenging pursuit) and commit to it. This practice is intended to push us outside our comfort zones.

1. Everyone (including parents) must do a hard thing that requires deliberate practice.
2. You can quit, but only until the season, semester, tuition payment, etc. is up. That is, only when a natural stopping point has arrived. You cannot quit on the day a teacher yells at you, when you lose a race, or before the recital.
3. You get to pick your hard thing. The idea is to foster interest.
4. When your kids are in high school, the commitment to the hard thing must be for at least two years.