Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Grant explores how embracing discomfort can unlock hidden potential and accelerate learning. He begins by dispelling the myth that polyglots—people who speak multiple languages—are naturally gifted. Instead, he introduces Sara Maria Hasbun and Benny Lewis, who achieved fluency in several languages by confronting their discomfort head-on.

Grant describes how Sara Maria, despite struggling with Spanish in school, eventually learned nine languages by immersing herself in uncomfortable situations. Similarly, Benny, who initially failed to learn languages in a traditional classroom setting, became conversational in multiple languages by pushing himself to speak them before feeling ready.

Grant emphasizes the importance of seeking discomfort to grow. He challenges the popular belief in learning styles, explaining that research has shown no evidence that matching instruction to a preferred style improves learning outcomes. Instead, he argues that learning happens best when individuals move beyond their comfort zones. Grant draws on an anecdote about the comedian Steve Martin, who forced himself to write jokes despite initially finding it the most challenging part of being a comic. He then compares the discomfort of learning a new skill to pilot training: By deliberately experiencing the terror of a stall, pilots build the skills needed to handle real-life emergencies.

Next Grant identifies three forms of courage essential for embracing discomfort. First, abandoning tried-and-true methods involves letting go of familiar strategies and being open to new, uncomfortable ones. Second, entering the arena before feeling ready means taking action and practicing skills before feeling fully prepared. Third, making more mistakes is crucial for learning. Benny Lewis, for example, sets a goal to make 200 mistakes a day when learning a new language, viewing each error as a step toward fluency.

Grant suggests practical ways to apply these principles, through intentional discomfort and active practice. Grant cites psychologists Kaitlin Woolley and Ayelet Fishbach, who found that improvised comedy students who pursued discomfort persisted longer and took more creative risks than those focused solely on learning. As an example of active practice, Sara Maria Hasbun learned Cantonese by immersing herself in the language.

Grant concludes that embracing discomfort is key to unlocking hidden potential. He encourages readers to seek out challenging situations, make mistakes, and practice new skills actively. By doing so, individuals can accelerate their learning and achieve greater things. He states that this approach not only helps in mastering new languages but also applies broadly to personal and professional growth, highlighting the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

Grant explores the importance of building the capacity to absorb and adapt, likening this ability to the characteristics of sea sponges. He describes how sea sponges thrive by absorbing nutrients and filtering out toxins. This capacity for absorption and adaptation is vital for humans as well, he argues.

Grant argues that success in life often depends more on adaptability than on intelligence or strength, exemplified by the adaptability of sea sponges, which survived one of the earliest and most devastating mass extinction events. He argues that growth depends not on how much information one seeks but on the quality of the information taken in. Grant emphasizes that effective learning involves proactive engagement with high-quality information and the ability to filter out what is not useful.

Grant tells the story of Mellody Hobson, who overcame a challenging childhood to become the co-CEO of an investment firm and the chair of the board of Starbucks. Mellody’s success is attributed to her ability to absorb information and adapt. Her proactive approach to learning and her work ethic allowed her to leverage opportunities effectively. Grant connects Mellody’s story to the broader historical context of the Protestant Reformation, which emphasized the importance of literacy. He discusses research by economists Sascha Becker and Ludger Woessmann, who found that the spread of Protestant beliefs led to higher literacy rates, which in turn drove economic growth. This underscores the value of cognitive skills, particularly literacy, in enhancing one’s ability to absorb and apply information effectively.

Grant provides the example of Julius Yego, a javelin thrower from Kenya who taught himself the sport by watching YouTube videos, ultimately becoming a world champion. His proactive approach and ability to adapt illustrate the power of being a “human sponge.”

Grant highlights the importance of seeking and filtering constructive feedback. He shares his own experience of overcoming his fear of public speaking by actively seeking advice rather than feedback, which helped him improve more effectively. He stresses the need to transform critics and cheerleaders into coaches who can provide actionable advice. To determine whom to trust for advice, Grant outlines three components: care, credibility, and familiarity. Coaches who care about you, have relevant expertise, and know you well can offer valuable insights that help you grow.

Grant concludes by emphasizing that being a sponge is not only about personal growth but also about helping others grow. Just as sea sponges contribute to their ecosystem by filtering water and producing life-promoting biochemicals, humans can foster a positive impact by sharing the knowledge and skills they absorb.

Grant explores the concept of embracing imperfections as a pathway to excellence. He begins with the story of Tadao Ando—a self-taught Japanese architect renowned for his minimalist and sturdy structures—who demonstrates how accepting flaws can lead to remarkable achievements. Ando learned architecture through hands-on experience and self-study. In the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, none of Ando’s 35 buildings suffered significant damage. This success highlights his ability to prioritize durability and design while accepting certain functional imperfections. Ando’s approach challenges the notion that perfectionism is necessary for success.

Grant defines perfectionism as the pursuit of zero defects, which can lead to an unhealthy obsession with minor details and a fear of failure. This often results in avoiding challenges and stunted growth. He argues that aiming for excellence, rather than perfection, allows for continuous improvement and learning from mistakes. Studies show that perfectionists often excel in controlled academic environments but struggle with the ambiguity and complexity of real-world problems. Successful individuals often have average academic records but excel in their fields by accepting and learning from imperfections.

Grant introduces the concept of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection. This approach encourages accepting flaws as inevitable and focusing on achievable standards. Ando’s work exemplifies wabi-sabi, as his use of exposed concrete reveals visible imperfections that contribute to the aesthetic and structural integrity of his buildings.

Grant shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the pitfalls of perfectionism. As a diver, his obsession with perfect execution led to hesitation and missed opportunities. By shifting his focus to specific goals, he improved his performance and embraced incremental progress over flawless execution. Grant suggests setting goals as a remedy for perfectionism. This approach provides clear targets and helps gauge progress effectively. He also recommends seeking constructive feedback and viewing criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat to self-worth.

Grant discusses choreographer Twyla Tharp, who successfully revised her dance musical Movin’ Out based on feedback, demonstrating how embracing and adapting to criticism can lead to success. Tharp’s ability to pivot and make meaningful changes highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience in creative endeavors.

Grant concludes that striving for excellence involves accepting imperfections and focusing on continuous growth. He advises using external assessments as tools for improvement and emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation. Ultimately, excellence is about meeting both external expectations and personal standards and finding satisfaction in ongoing development.