DeepSummary
The transcript is a conversation between psychologist Adam Grant and podcast host Maya Shankar, discussing Grant's new book 'Hidden: The Science of Achieving Greater Things.' They explore concepts like being a 'sponge' - proactively seeking feedback while also filtering out unhelpful criticism, the benefits of 'imperfectionism,' and the importance of character skills over cognitive abilities.
Grant shares personal stories, like his experience as a springboard diver despite lacking natural talent, to illustrate how focusing on growth mindset and determination can unlock hidden potential. Shankar also reflects on her journey learning Mandarin to connect with her husband's family, emphasizing the role of motivation in skill development.
They discuss techniques for finding good mentors, with Grant suggesting looking for people slightly ahead of you rather than renowned experts. The episode concludes with Grant's recommendation for the 'Reflected Best Self' exercise to help others recognize their own strengths.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Recognize your hidden potential by focusing on growth mindset rather than just your starting abilities.
- Proactively seek feedback, but filter out unhelpful criticism by evaluating the critic's expertise, familiarity with you, and intentions.
- Embrace 'imperfectionism' by setting high but achievable standards rather than obsessing over perfection.
- Cultivate character skills like determination and discipline, which can be more valuable than cognitive abilities alone.
- Look for mentors who are just ahead of you rather than renowned experts, as they may better understand your level.
- Help others recognize their strengths through an exercise like the 'Reflected Best Self' portrait.
- Find intrinsic motivations to fuel your learning and skill development.
- Don't judge potential solely on early failures or struggles - growth happens through persistent effort.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think there are so many reasons to be interested in it. I mean, how many times have you met somebody who didn't live up to the potential you saw in them because they didn't see it in themselves or because they weren't lucky enough to have a coach or a mentor or a teacher or a parent who saw it in them?“ by Adam Grant
- “So when I first learned about this exercise, I think it was, gosh, it must have been 20 years ago. I remember the winter break starting, and I was a first year grad student. I had nothing on my calendar. I was broke. What am I going to do with this week? I decided that I was going to invert the exercise, and I picked a bunch of people who mattered to me, and I wrote them all a story about a time when they were at their best and just emailed it to them out of the blue.“ by Adam Grant
- “It is one of the most meaningful weeks I have ever spent, even though I was just sitting in a room writing emails, because really thinking about, well, what is other people's hidden potential, and how can I make that more visible to them? Felt like a really meaningful act of friendship or an investment in a relationship, and people seem to really appreciate it.“ by Adam Grant
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Episode Information
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
5/13/24
A chance to hear a recent episode of A Slight Change of Plans in which Maya Shankar asks psychologist Adam Grant about his new book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things". They talk about how to filter out unhelpful feedback, the benefits of imperfectionism, and why we need to give soft skills more respect.
Listen to more episodes of A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get your podcasts.
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