Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

talent sets the floor, but character sets the ceiling.

When you’re doubting your ability to overcome an obstacle, instead of seeking advice, try giving advice.

We’re often told that if we want to develop our skills, we need to push ourselves through long hours of monotonous practice. But the best way to unlock hidden potential isn’t to suffer through the daily grind. It’s to transform the daily grind into a source of daily joy.

People judge your potential from your best moments, not your worst. What if you gave yourself the same grace?

ambition is the outcome6 you want to attain. Aspiration is the person you hope to become.

beware of mistaking past accomplishments and experience for future potential. Background and talent determine where people start, but character skills shape how far they can climb.

Comfort in learning is a paradox. You can’t become truly comfortable with a skill until you’ve practiced it enough to master it. But practicing it before you master it is uncomfortable, so you often avoid it.

Impostor syndrome says, “I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s only a matter of time until everyone finds out.” Growth mindset says, “I don’t know what I’m doing yet. It’s only a matter of time until I figure it out.”

The key question is not how long people have done a job. It’s how well they can learn to do a job.