Hidden Potential

The Science of Achieving Greater Things By Adam Grant

Book Summary

Let’s unpack Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, a book that's all about tapping into the talents you didn't even know you had. Before we get into it, let's quickly talk about Adam. He's the author of bestsellers like Give and Take (a personal favourite) and Originals. He's known for his thought-provoking insights on motivation and achievement.

I’ve read it (so you semi don’t have to) so let's dig into the 5 big ideas from his latest work:

Big Idea #1 - Learn Uncomfortably

Grant says, 'Embrace the unbearable awkwardness of learning.' Think about the last time you tried something new. Awkward, right? But you remembered it and grew from it. Like the first experience driving. You were hyper vigilant with both hands on the steering wheel. But after a few months, a year maybe more that experiencing of learning to drive is now a normal habit with one hand.

Here’s another Adam Grant introduces us to Sara Maria Hasbun, a linguist who pushed herself to learn other languages and found that living in the respective country and being forced in speaking the local language was far better than simply studying it. Nothing forces you to speak when you have to find a bathroom or your next meal!

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone, and how did it help you grow?

Big Idea #2 - Be A Sponge

Grant talks about being 'Human Sponges,' building the capacity learn, absorb adapt and change. Perfect example, Mellody Hobson had a challenging childhood and being the youngest of 6 kids to a single mother, Mellody Hobson she was suppose to be a statistic. She’s an exception, Princeton graduate, chairman of the board of the directors of Starbucks, one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, Mellody, as Grant would say, is a perfect example of a human sponge," capable of absorbing new ideas and adapting to new situations. This skill propelled her to an impressive internship and beyond, showing us that growth is less about how hard you work and more about how well you learn - being proactive and more involved.

Mellody's story is a powerful reminder that our potential is not defined by our circumstances but by our capacity to absorb, adapt, and apply what we learn. So, what are you absorbing? What new knowledge or skill are you adapting to?

Big Idea #3 - Embrace Imperfection

Strive for progress, not perfection. Amen. Finding the sweet spot between flawed and flawless is crucial in moving forward.. Adam Grant shares a captivating story of his own, where every missed question or less-than-perfect score was a blow to his self-esteem. He was the kid who, after winning a quiz bowl, beat himself up for missing just one question. Or the one who didn't celebrate a third-place win because it wasn't first. Grant's story is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of perfection can often lead to a spiral of tunnel vision and error avoidance, limiting our growth.

But here's the twist. Grant learned that being kind to oneself isn't about ignoring weaknesses; it's about learning from disappointments. He emphasizes that we grow by embracing our shortcomings, not by punishing them.

How have you learned to be kind to yourself in the face of imperfection? How has this helped you grow?

Big Idea #4 - Embed Passion

Grant urges us to 'Transform the Daily Grind.' It's about infusing what you do with passion, even in the mundane. Adam Grant brings us the inspiring story of Evelyn Glennie, a Scottish farm girl who turned her passion for sound into a groundbreaking career in music. Despite losing her hearing, Evelyn didn't let that stop her. She felt the rhythm of the tractor, the hum of the cows, and the clang of the blacksmith's hammer. These everyday sounds fueled her passion for percussion, and she carried this harmonious passion all the way to the Royal Academy of Music.

Evelyn's story is a powerful example of transforming the daily grind into a passionate pursuit. It's about finding what resonates with you and letting that drive your daily actions. So, how are you infusing passion into your daily grind? What's the rhythm that keeps you moving forward?

Big Idea #5 - Defy Gravity

It's about 'Defying Gravity' and overcoming obstacles. Adam Grant recounts the powerful story of the Golden Thirteen. These trailblazers were the first African American officers in the U.S. Navy, a group that faced towering barriers in a time of segregation. Instead of giving in to the forces of gravity wehging them down; they lifted each other and paved the way for future generations. They knew that if they failed, it wasn't just about them — it was about the 120,000 men who wouldn't get a chance for a long time. They weren't just defying gravity for themselves; they were doing it for an entire community.

Their story isn't just about individual triumph; it's about collective empowerment. It's a reminder that sometimes, to truly overcome obstacles, we need to link arms with those around us. So, who's in your support network? How are you not only pulling yourself up but also lifting others with you?

In brief…

Grant's book isn't just about finding success; it's about the journey of self-improvement and the aspiration to become the person you hope to be. It's a reminder that potential is often hidden, not because it's not there, but because we haven't created the right conditions to see it.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to unlock your hidden potential?