Here’s my review of one of the books by Adam Grant, which I read with great pleasure. Firstly, I need to mention that I enjoy Adam Grant’s writing style and love the topics he discusses. His book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” is one of my favorites; I’ll probably do a separate review of it but will need to brush up my memory of it first, as I read it a few years ago.
In this blog post, I’d like to focus on Adam’s latest book – “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things.” The topic, I think, is brilliant. A lot of people nowadays struggle with the question – am I talented? Do I have the potential to achieve greatness? Am I capable of doing great things? I, for one, have asked myself those questions many times in my life, and believe me, this book helps to answer a lot of those questions in your head.
However, it’s not only about encouraging people to believe in themselves, although there are a lot of psychological self-analysis topics. It’s also about how to cultivate a society that would believe in potential, try to unleash the talents in each of us, how to educate in the right manner without intimidating, and how to recognize different sides of the potential. And I think this is far more important than just trying to figure out things on your own.
I tried to structure the book a bit in my own way, and here are the things I’d like to highlight in this article:
Discomfort is the Key in the Learning Process
We often see ourselves highly motivated at the start of a new learning journey, our goals clear in our minds and a burning passion fueling our efforts. But all too soon, we find ourselves discouraged and struggling to maintain that initial momentum. It’s easy to blame a lack of motivation, but author Adam Grant argues that discomfort, not motivation, is the true key to excelling in new skills and areas of study.
Grant uses the example of polyglots – individuals who have mastered the art of learning multiple languages. Upon closer inspection, he found that these linguistic virtuosos were not necessarily the “brilliant students” or extraverts one might expect. Rather, they understood that learning a new language inevitably involves a period of discomfort, where self-expression is limited and mistakes are plentiful. Crucially, these polyglots not only embraced this discomfort, but actively sought to amplify it.
By immersing themselves in the target language and culture, pushing past the initial awkwardness, the polyglots were able to develop the persistence and ability to cope with discomfort that allowed them to ultimately achieve fluency. Making mistakes, far from being something to avoid, became a vital part of the learning process, helping to cement new knowledge and skills more effectively than always striving for perfection.
The takeaway is clear: if you want to excel at something new, you need to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Lean into the discomfort, make mistakes, and use that as fuel to drive your progress forward.
Being a Sponge is a Character Trait
In the book, Grant explores the concept of the “sponge” character – people who possess a remarkable ability to absorb new information and transform it into something beneficial. The chapter delves into the parallels between the characteristics of literal sea sponges and the mindset of certain individuals.
The book cites the example of Mellody Hobson, the Chairperson of Starbucks’ Board of Directors. Despite facing significant challenges growing up, Hobson consistently sought out new information and opportunities to expand her knowledge. She epitomizes the proactive, growth-oriented “sponge” mindset that Grant believes is key to unlocking one’s full potential.
Ultimately, the sponge metaphor serves as a powerful reminder that the true value lies not just in what we absorb, but in how we choose to channel and apply those inputs to enrich ourselves and support the growth of those around us. It’s a compelling perspective that encourages readers to approach life with a more transformative, generative mindset.
Let Go of Perfectionism
One of the most valuable insights in the book addresses the pervasive issue of perfectionism. In today’s achievement-oriented societies, the pressure to be flawless is immense, fueled by social media and high parental/societal expectations. But the author argues that sometimes, “good enough is just enough.”
He shares his own experiences learning to dive, where his instructor’s approach to goal-setting was a game-changer. Rather than simply telling him to “do his best,” the instructor set specific, achievable targets. In sports, a score of 10 is not necessarily perfect, but rather represents excellence – a level of mastery, not flawlessness.
The lesson here is to let go of the unrealistic pursuit of perfection. Embrace your flaws and imperfections as part of the learning process. Small, incremental goals achieved are far more valuable than unattainable ideals. By reframing our mindset in this way, we can unlock our true potential and experience genuine growth.
Embracing Adaptability in Learning
Adaptability is a key theme discussed throughout this book, with numerous examples highlighting how successful individuals in fields like sports and music have had to adapt their learning approaches to achieve greatness. The fundamental principle is that not everyone learns in the same way. Some may have unique challenges or learning differences, but that does not preclude them from excelling.
The most accomplished practitioners often had to customize their learning methods to suit their own needs and strengths. For instance, a deaf musician would need to find alternative ways to learn and experience music, rather than simply following the same approaches as their hearing peers. Progress is rarely linear – sometimes you need to take a step back, unlearn certain techniques, and experiment to discover what works best for you as an individual.
Finding the right mentor or coach can be helpful, but it’s crucial to avoid simply mimicking their skills and expertise. The key is to determine how to adapt their teachings to your specific circumstances. In certain cases, you may even need to engage in “bootstrapping” – relying on your own initiative and intuition to forge a path forward, even if it diverges from conventional wisdom.
Leverage the Power of Breaks
Numerous studies have shown that taking regular breaks during periods of intense learning or practice can actually boost performance and unlock creativity. Weekends and diversions into hobbies or side projects can provide the mental respite needed to generate fresh ideas and perspectives. Monotonous, uninterrupted work tends to dull the mind, whereas interspersing learning with brief breaks helps cement knowledge more effectively.
Contrary to the popular belief that single-minded dedication is the surest path to greatness, a more balanced approach that incorporates periodic respite may in fact be more conducive to breakthrough results. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, changing your routine and introducing new activities can often help you re-energize and approach your primary goals with renewed vigor.
Reimagining Education for the Future
”Just as Michelangelo thought there was an angel locked inside every piece of marble, I think there is a brilliant child locked inside every student.
Marva Collins"Ordinary Children, Extraordinary Teachers"
The author delves into a captivating discussion about the education system, highlighting the remarkable progress made by Finland. Despite its small size, Finland has emerged as a global leader in education, boasting the highest rate of high-performing students and the lowest rate of low-performing students. This remarkable achievement is rooted in Finland’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their family background or personal characteristics.
The key insight the author shares is that talent is not something inherently bestowed upon a select few, but rather a hidden potential that exists within every child. The Finnish approach emphasizes nurturing this hidden potential, rather than solely investing in those who exhibit early signs of academic prowess. This philosophy is underpinned by the belief that all students have the capacity to learn and grow, and it is the responsibility of the education system to unlock this potential.
Interestingly, the author also highlights the critical role played by teachers in Finland’s educational success. Finnish teachers are highly respected and provided with the necessary support and resources to thrive. This holistic approach, where both students and teachers are nurtured and empowered, serves as a powerful model for education systems around the world.
Embracing the Power of Introverts
In this thought-provoking chapter, the author delves into the dynamics between extroverts and introverts, challenging the pervasive societal bias that often favors extroverted personalities in leadership and decision-making roles.
Through insightful studies and examples, the author demonstrates how introverted leaders can bring unique strengths to the table, such as the ability to foster an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their expertise and true selves. Introverted leaders often excel at active listening, understanding individual strengths, and assigning tasks that align with team members’ abilities.
The author also critiques the traditional format of meetings and brainstorming sessions, which tend to privilege extroverted individuals and stifle the contributions of introverts. He suggests that a more inclusive and productive approach would be to create an environment that encourages thoughtful participation from all team members, regardless of their personality type.
Furthermore, the author delves into the shortcomings of traditional job interviews, highlighting how they often serve as a platform for interviewers to assert their superiority, rather than genuinely assess the interviewee’s potential. The author advocates for alternative approaches, such as incorporating real-time work samples or introducing an element of fun, to help reveal the true abilities and hidden potential of the candidates.
Embracing the Imposter Syndrome
In this captivating chapter, the author shares his own personal story of grappling with the imposter syndrome, a widespread phenomenon where individuals doubt their own abilities and achievements, despite external validation and success.
The author vividly recounts that upon being admitted to Harvard, he struggled with imposter syndrome. However, the author emphasizes that the imposter syndrome is not necessarily a negative trait; rather, it can be a sign that someone has hidden potential that others have recognized, but the individual has yet to fully embrace.
The author’s message is one of empowerment and self-belief. He encourages readers to view the imposter syndrome as an opportunity to work harder and prove themselves, not only to others but to themselves. The author’s personal anecdotes and coaching-style advice provide a relatable and empowering perspective on overcoming the doubts and insecurities that often accompany significant achievements and opportunities.
Final Word
In conclusion, I highly recommend reading this book, as it touches on many profound and deeply personal topics that we often struggle with throughout our lives, starting from our experiences in school. The authors provide a thoughtful analysis of these common societal issues and present alternative, more pragmatic approaches to dealing with them. The overarching message is to not always seek out the shining diamonds, but rather to uncover the hidden gems – the “diamonds in the rough” – within ourselves and our communities. By adopting this mindset, we can unlock a wealth of untapped potential that will benefit society as a whole.
Whether you are going through difficult times of learning, studying, and self-discovery, or you work in the social sciences addressing these complex issues, this book offers an invaluable resource for self-analysis, personal growth, and a more constructive way forward. You can obtain a copy of the book on Amazon or listen to it on Audible – get your free audiobook by signing up for free trial month here.
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