Notes on Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
7-8 reps for math, science and foreign languages
Experienced Kindergarten teacher improves income for students in their 20s according to Chedi economist - proactive, prosocial, disciplined, and determined in 4th grade and 8th grade
Character = skills not morals
Character > talent
Scaffolding → end game first!
Embrace seek amplify discomfort
Comfortable being uncomfortable
-Abandon tried and true methods -Put yourself in the ring before you feel ready -Make more mistakes than others make attempts
Chapter 1
Lean into discomfort. Make more mistakes.
Chapter 2
Quality of info > quantity Max return on effort Protestant reformation Proactive and growth oriented = spongy “Freak of nurture” Polite vs kindness Critic vs cheerleader vs coach Asking for feedback is a mistake Advice (future) > feedback (past)
Chapter 3
Focus on details that don’t matter Avoid unfamiliar tasks Berate for mistakes Wabi sabi - accepting flaws, sublime Be an imperfectionist. High standards “Do your best” is too ambiguous Objective that is precise and challenging to combat perfectionism. “Did you make yourself better?” “Did you make someone else better today?” Overblown implications effect - people judge you best moments, not your worst Success is how much you overcome! Pivoting Minimal lovable product Judge 0-10 Excellence > perfection Excellence on YOUR terms It’s better to disappoint others than to disappoint yourself You are never finished
Scaffolding comes from others Scaffolding bypass challenges Scaffolding is timely Scaffolding is temporary