Angela Duckworth: What Situations Bring Out the Best in Us?

Angela Duckworth changed the way millions of people think about achievement with her bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Yet ten years later, she’s come to believe that grit and willpower are only part of the story. In this conversation, Angela joins Vivek to explore a powerful question: How much of who we become is shaped not just by what’s inside us, but by the people, places, and circumstances around us? Drawing from her new book Situated, Angela shares what she’s learned about creating environments that bring out our best—from the objects within arm’s reach to the friends, mentors, workplaces, and communities we choose. She and Vivek also talk candidly about ambition, parenting, and the difference between pursuing something out of fear versus genuine purpose. They also talk about why success and achievement can feel empty when we’re chasing it for the wrong reasons. Together, Angela and Vivek ask: What does it really mean to succeed? How can we shape our lives around what matters most? About Angela Her books  Situated: Find the People and Places that Bring Out Your Best  Grit: The Power of Passion and Perserverance  IG @drvivekmurthy Substack vivekmurthy.substack.com/ More about your host, Dr. Vivek Murthy https://www.vivekmurthy.com #StayingHuman #AngelaDuckworth #Grit #Situated #UPenn #VivekMurthy #Loneliness #Willpower #Success #Fulfillment