Ever wondered how personal determination, adaptability, and collective effort can unlock hidden potential? Get inspired by the real-life stories of remarkable individuals from various fields, including self-taught architect Tadao Ando, astronaut José Hernandez, and the Golden Thirteen of the U.S. Navy. Explore how embracing discomfort, learning from imperfections, and supporting each other can lead to incredible growth and achievements.

Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

In the late 1800s, William James suggested that by age 30, a person’s character was set in stone. 

However, a recent study in West Africa challenges this notion by showing that character skills, like proactivity and determination, are crucial for success, even more so than cognitive skills. Entrepreneurs who received training in character skills saw a 30% increase in profits, illustrating that developing these skills can lead to significant growth, regardless of age.

Character, often mistaken for personality, is about prioritizing values over instincts, especially under pressure. It's what defines how we act on tough days and helps us transcend our natural tendencies. 

Historically, character skills have been undervalued as "soft skills," a term that inadvertently implies weakness. Yet, as technology advances, these human skills are becoming increasingly vital.

Consider Sara Maria Hasbun, a polyglot who overcame her struggle with language learning by embracing discomfort. Initially convinced she lacked the language gene, she transformed by immersing herself in environments that forced her to speak new languages. She discovered that the key to learning languages quickly was the courage to make mistakes and embrace discomfort.

Courage in learning involves three steps: embracing discomfort, using knowledge actively, and making mistakes. This approach is seen in language learners and pilots alike, who train by amplifying discomfort to master their skills.

Steve Martin’s journey in comedy echoes this. Initially lacking in talent, he forced himself to write—a skill he found challenging. Writing sharpened his comedy, showing that tackling discomfort can lead to mastery. Similarly, research debunks the myth of learning styles, suggesting that growth often comes from stepping outside comfort zones.


Can Embracing Discomfort Unlock Your True Potential?

Adaptability is crucial for survival, as highlighted by the resilience of sea sponges during ancient mass extinction events. These sponges, initially mistaken for plants, are now recognized as one of Earth's oldest animals due to their incredible ability to filter out toxins and regenerate after damage.

This capacity for adaptation is equally vital for humans. For instance, Mellody Hobson, who grew up in a financially unstable household, overcame numerous obstacles through her relentless desire to learn. Despite early setbacks in school, Mellody's proactive approach to education and work ethic led her to become the co-CEO of a successful investment firm and a prominent board member of Starbucks.

Mellody's success illustrates the importance of being proactive and growth-oriented. Her journey from remedial classes to an Ivy League education and a thriving career underscores the power of 'absorptive capacity'—the ability to recognize, value, assimilate, and apply new information.

This concept of absorptive capacity is echoed in the research of economists Sascha Becker and Ludger Woessmann, who found that the Protestant Reformation's emphasis on literacy, rather than just hard work, spurred economic growth. Literacy enabled people to access and process information more effectively, fostering advancement.

Similarly, athletes like Julius Yego, who trained himself using YouTube videos, demonstrate how proactive learning can lead to exceptional achievements, even without traditional resources or coaching. In contrast, Ihab Abdelrahman, though physically gifted, relied more on reactive learning and thus plateaued.

To truly benefit from feedback and advice, it’s important to seek out credible and caring sources. Mellody Hobson's experience with mentor Bill Bradley highlights how constructive criticism, when taken to heart and acted upon, can drive significant personal and professional growth.

Sea sponges also offer a metaphor for human potential in their ability to create life-sustaining biochemicals. By filtering water, they contributed to the oxygenation of oceans, possibly facilitating the evolution of complex life forms, including humans.

In essence, being a sponge means proactively absorbing and filtering information to fuel personal growth, and in turn, contributing to the growth of others.

Mellody Hobson: From Financial Struggles to Co-CEO of Success

When Tadao Ando learned of the earthquake devastating his hometown of Kobe, Japan, he rushed from Europe, anxious about the community and buildings he had designed. 

Ando, who had no formal training in architecture, had taught himself the craft while growing up in poverty. He had designed 35 buildings in Kobe, and remarkably, none collapsed in the quake.

Ando, known for his minimalist and sturdy structures, is a testament to the power of embracing imperfection. Despite a lack of formal education, he achieved greatness by rejecting perfectionism, focusing on durability, and making deliberate compromises. His notable projects, like the Church of Light, showcase his unique approach—embracing flaws to highlight beauty.

Perfectionism can hinder rather than help. Research shows that perfectionists often obsess over trivial details, avoid challenges, and berate themselves for mistakes, leading to stunted growth. Tadao Ando's journey illustrates that true mastery involves accepting and learning from imperfections. By focusing on achievable standards and recognizing the beauty in flaws, we can push forward and innovate.

Perfectionism's toll isn't just theoretical. The story of Twyla Tharp's musical "Movin' Out" shows how pivoting from perfectionism to a practical, audience-focused approach can lead to success. Tharp listened to criticism, made necessary changes, and ultimately triumphed.

In many fields, success is more subjective, and excellence is about living up to your standards, not others'. Ando's philosophy of staying "green"—always growing and imperfect—teaches us that the pursuit of excellence involves continuous improvement and the acceptance of our flaws. 

By learning to tolerate the right imperfections, we can unlock our hidden potential and achieve greatness.

Can Embracing Imperfection Lead to True Mastery?

On the path to any goal, obstacles are inevitable, but overcoming them often requires more than just character skills. We often need scaffolding, a temporary support structure, to help us scale heights we couldn't reach on our own. 

Psychologists studying resilience have found that even something as simple as playing Tetris can reduce distressing flashbacks from upsetting experiences by engaging our visual-spatial circuits.

Scaffolding generally comes from others and is tailored to the specific obstacle, arriving at pivotal moments and remaining temporary. It provides the support we need to progress and move forward independently. This principle resonates in the stories of various individuals who faced significant challenges yet managed to excel with the right kind of support.

Take Evelyn Glennie, for instance. Despite being profoundly deaf, she became the world's first full-time percussion soloist, winning several Grammy Awards. Her success was largely due to her teacher, Ron Forbes, who helped her develop a unique way of feeling music through vibrations in her body. This approach turned her practice into a joyful experience, blending hard work with fun.

The same concept of joyful practice applies to sports. Renowned basketball trainer Brandon Payne has been working with NBA star Steph Curry for over a decade. By incorporating deliberate play into his training, such as making drills into games, Curry was able to enjoy the process and improve his skills significantly.

Deliberate play, a blend of structured practice and fun, can transform the grind into a source of joy. It's not just about repetitive drills; it's about making practice enjoyable and developmental. For instance, introducing novelty and variety into practice can sustain motivation and enhance skill development. This approach has proven effective in various fields, including music, sports, and even professional development.

Taking breaks during practice is also crucial. It helps sustain passion, unlock fresh ideas, and deepen learning. Research shows that even short breaks can reduce fatigue, boost creativity, and improve memory retention. For example, Evelyn Glennie practices in short intervals, taking breaks to maintain her interest and focus.

Ultimately, transforming practice into a source of joy and integrating deliberate play can unlock hidden potential and sustain passion over time. Whether you're a musician, athlete, or professional, finding ways to make practice enjoyable can lead to greater achievements and personal fulfillment.

From Evelyn Glennie to Steph Curry: The Power of Joyful Practice and Deliberate Play

In seventh grade, R.A. Dickey was a baseball phenom. By his sophomore year, professional scouts were attending his games, and by college, he had won an Olympic bronze medal. 

The Texas Rangers drafted him with a hefty signing bonus, expecting him to reach the major leagues quickly. But during his contract signing, an X-ray revealed he was missing a key ligament in his elbow. His bonus was slashed, and he was sent to the lowest tier of the minor leagues.

Baseball was Dickey’s escape from a tough childhood, and he was determined to succeed. Despite his efforts, he faced a series of demotions and setbacks. At 31, it seemed his career had stalled. But instead of giving up, Dickey embraced a new pitch: the knuckleball. It was unconventional and difficult to master, but it was his only chance. Coaches and fellow players helped him refine his technique, though it took years of trial and error.

Dickey's persistence paid off. By age 35, he was back in the major leagues, signing a multimillion-dollar contract with the New York Mets. He became one of the best pitchers in baseball, achieving feats that initially seemed impossible. His journey wasn’t linear—he had to backtrack and rethink his approach several times. But each setback was a step toward a greater breakthrough.

This story of R.A. Dickey highlights that progress is rarely straightforward. Often, it requires taking a step back, reassessing, and finding a new path. Whether in sports, careers, or personal goals, persistence and the willingness to learn and adapt can lead to incredible success.

How Did R.A. Dickey's Knuckleball Turn His Career Around?

Let's dive into the inspiring story of the Golden Thirteen—the first Black men to enter officer training in the U.S. Navy during World War II. 

In 1944, sixteen men from various backgrounds were summoned to a mysterious location north of Chicago to make history. Despite enduring racial slurs and a grueling training schedule cut in half due to the war, they excelled far beyond expectations, achieving the highest marks in Navy history. 

This success was rooted in their commitment to support one another, pooling their knowledge and teaching each other to overcome their academic and personal challenges. This collective bootstrapping was key to their unprecedented success. They constantly motivated and held each other accountable, proving that the best way to elevate our skills and confidence is through collaboration.

This principle of perseverance and support isn't limited to the Golden Thirteen. Consider Alison Levine, who faced immense physical and psychological challenges while climbing Mount Everest. Despite failing her first attempt and dealing with numerous naysayers, she returned to conquer the peak, driven by the memory of a friend and the desire to prove her doubters wrong.

These stories tie into the broader concept of how we handle obstacles. Rather than viewing challenges as threats, we should see them as opportunities. It highlights the significance of having a growth mindset, supported by a strong scaffolding of peers and mentors. 

The tutor effect—where teaching others reinforces our own learning—and the coach effect—where guiding others boosts our confidence—are pivotal in overcoming challenges.

Ultimately, while individual effort is vital, the greatest achievements come from collective support. Whether through teaching, coaching, or simply believing in one another, we can rise above any obstacle. 

Golden Thirteen & Alison Levine: Triumph Through Collective Resilience

Unlocking hidden potential requires more than individual effort—it needs a supportive system. Economist Raj Chetty’s research reveals that opportunities largely determine who innovates. 

His study found that kids from wealthy families are ten times more likely to become inventors than those from poorer backgrounds. This disparity exists even among children with similar cognitive skills, highlighting the importance of access to resources and role models.

Chetty's team discovered that moving to areas with higher innovation rates increased a child’s chances of earning a patent. However, this advantage isn't equally distributed. Girls benefited only when exposed to female inventors, suggesting that role models are crucial for underrepresented groups.

Creating opportunities on a larger scale involves building better systems in schools, teams, and organizations. Good systems can help us avoid losing potential geniuses by recognizing and nurturing talent in everyone. 

Finland’s education system exemplifies this approach. Known for its educational excellence, Finland transformed from an underperforming country to a global leader by creating a culture rooted in the belief that every student has potential.

Finnish schools focus on equity and individualized support. Practices like looping, where teachers stay with the same students for multiple years, help build stronger relationships and tailored support. Early interventions and personalized learning plans ensure students get the help they need to succeed.

Finland’s success isn’t about small class sizes or high budgets. It’s their belief in nurturing every child’s potential that sets them apart. This ethos has practical implications, such as promoting intrinsic motivation through play-based learning and encouraging a love of reading.

Challenges remain, as seen in Finland’s recent decline in PISA scores. Yet, their focus on student well-being and intrinsic motivation offers valuable lessons. Finnish policymakers continue to experiment with ways to make learning more engaging, emphasizing that education should foster both intellectual growth and emotional well-being.

Building better systems means recognizing that potential exists in everyone and creating environments that help all individuals thrive. This approach not only uncovers hidden geniuses but also ensures a more equitable and innovative future.

Can Finland's Educational Model Unlock Hidden Innovators?

In August 2010, a gold and copper mine in the Chilean desert collapsed, trapping 33 men 2,300 feet underground. The rescue mission that followed was a monumental effort and a study in collective intelligence.

At the outset, no one knew if the miners were alive. The rescue team had to drill blind, searching for a needle in a haystack twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. On day seventeen, a glimmer of hope emerged when a drill brought back notes from the miners, proving they were alive. From there, the rescue team drilled small holes for food, water, and communication while figuring out how to drill a human-sized hole through rock harder than granite.

The rescue wasn't led solely by experts. Instead, it was driven by a broader pool of ideas. A $10 innovation from a small-time entrepreneur and a 24-year-old engineer's suggestion played crucial roles. The rescue team built a system that harnessed the collective intelligence of everyone involved.

Richard Hackman, a leading expert on teams, found that teamwork often failed because teams didn't utilize collective intelligence effectively. His research, revealed that the best teams aren't necessarily composed of the smartest individuals but those with strong prosocial skills. These teams excel by recognizing each other's strengths and aligning efforts toward a shared purpose.

In Chile, André Sougarret, selected for his prosocial skills, led the rescue. He listened to experts on-site, sought multiple ideas, and created a system that encouraged input from everyone. This approach led to innovative solutions, like the cluster hammer idea from young engineer Igor Proestakis, which became a key part of the successful rescue.

The rescue demonstrated the power of collective intelligence and the importance of leadership that values listening, collaboration, and inclusivity. The best leaders elevate the entire room, not just the loudest voices. This story underscores that our greatest potential often sparks between us, harnessed through effective team processes and systems.

Chile's Miraculous Mine Rescue: Harnessing Collective Intelligence

Success isn’t just about the heights we reach, but the obstacles we overcome. This truth is exemplified in the journey of José Hernandez, who dreamt of becoming an astronaut despite daunting barriers. 

Raised by migrant farmworkers, José’s childhood was marked by constant movement and educational disruption, yet he nurtured his passion for space, inspired by Apollo moonwalks he watched on a fuzzy black-and-white TV.

Determined to reach his goal, José earned degrees in electrical engineering and worked at a federal research facility. However, his initial applications to NASA were met with rejection. Undeterred, he sought feedback and continuously improved his qualifications, including obtaining a pilot's license and scuba diving certifications. He even learned Russian to stand out further.

Despite his persistent efforts, José faced rejection after rejection, which culminated in a particularly disheartening letter in 1996. Nonetheless, he persevered, balancing demanding jobs with his studies and eventually excelling academically. What NASA’s selection process missed was José’s resilience and potential, shaped by his challenging background and unyielding determination.

Years later, after numerous applications, José finally got a call from NASA. Though initially offered a role as an engineer, he continued to adapt and grow. His wife’s encouragement and his relentless pursuit eventually led to his selection as an astronaut. In 2009, José’s dream was realized when he flew into space, completing a journey that spanned more than the miles traveled in orbit, but a lifetime of overcoming adversity.

José’s story underscores the importance of recognizing potential beyond conventional metrics. Educational and hiring systems often overlook candidates who have navigated significant challenges. 

To truly gauge potential, we must consider the distance traveled and the resilience demonstrated. José’s success, born from a broken system, serves as a powerful reminder to recognize and nurture hidden potential in everyone.

How Did José Hernandez Overcome Rejection to Reach the Stars with NASA?

Contrary to earlier beliefs that a person’s character is set by age 30, recent studies show that character skills like proactivity and determination significantly impact success and can be developed at any age. Training in these skills can lead to substantial improvements in personal and professional outcomes.

Adaptability, akin to the resilience of sea sponges, is crucial for success. Individuals who adapt and proactively learn, such as athletes and entrepreneurs, often achieve remarkable feats despite initial setbacks.

Embracing imperfections and focusing on achievable standards rather than perfectionism can lead to innovation and excellence. This approach is illustrated in various success stories across different fields.

Achieving goals often requires external support or scaffolding. This includes mentorship, constructive feedback, and a supportive environment that helps individuals overcome significant challenges and excel.

Effective teamwork and leadership that harness collective intelligence and prosocial skills can lead to innovative solutions and success in complex situations.

Creating systems that recognize and nurture potential in everyone, particularly through equitable education and individualized support, can uncover hidden talent and drive innovation.

Success is often driven more by character skills like proactivity and determination than by cognitive abilities alone. Developing these traits can have a greater impact on long-term achievement. Ultimately, growth comes from discomfort—stepping out of comfort zones and embracing imperfections fosters mastery and innovation.



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Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Adam M. Grant

10 Key ideas

20 MINS

4.7 (2.3k)

Ever wondered how personal determination, adaptability, and collective effort can unlock hidden potential?