When you look at successful people, it’s hard not to think fame, fortune, or prosperity are a result of pure talent. Think of Olympic medalists, STEM geniuses who develop earth-shattering technologies, and economists who predict major events.

It’s undeniable these are talented people—but University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth has spent years researching what goes into success, and she says talent is not the only factor.

“I think effort counts twice. Sure, talent counts, but I think effort counts twice,” said Angela Duckworth on The Mel Robbins podcast. “To me, skill is kind of barren unless you apply it.”

Duckworth is a prominent American psychologist, academic, and author best known for her research on grit: the concept of passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-t

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