Hidden Potential
Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant, published on October 24, 2023, is a compelling exploration of how individuals can surpass their perceived limits and overcome self-doubt. Grant, a renowned organisational psychologist and bestselling author, challenges the notion that potential is fixed, arguing instead that it’s cultivated through deliberate effort, unconventional strategies, and resilience. Drawing on rigorous research and vivid storytelling, he dismantles myths about innate talent, showing how growth often stems from overlooked opportunities and persistent adaptation.
The book emphasizes three key principles: embracing discomfort as a catalyst for learning, building systems of support to bolster confidence, and reframing setbacks as stepping stones. Grant illustrates these with examples like the unlikely success of underdog athletes and late-blooming innovators, blending data with narrative flair. For self-doubt, he offers practical tools, such as seeking "character praise" over "ability praise"—to shift focus from fixed traits to effort and progress.
Written in Grant’s signature accessible yet thought-provoking style, Hidden Potential resonates in 2025 as a guide for anyone feeling stalled by insecurity. It’s less about raw inspiration and more about actionable science, making it a standout for readers eager to unlock their latent capabilities and redefine achievement.
5 Key Takeaways
Potential Is Not Fixed—It’s Cultivated:
Grant debunks the myth that talent is innate, showing through research and examples (e.g., late bloomers like a dyslexic inventor) that potential emerges from effort, practice, and opportunity. This reframes self-doubt as a signal to persist rather than a limit.
Embrace Discomfort for Growth:
Success often requires leaning into challenges rather than avoiding them. Grant highlights how stepping outside comfort zones—like a shy student mastering public speaking—builds skills and confidence, turning self-doubt into a motivator.
Support Systems Amplify Potential:
No one succeeds alone. Grant emphasizes the power of mentors, peers, and even “scaffolding” (temporary aids) in overcoming insecurity. He cites studies showing how encouragement from others can propel individuals beyond their self-imposed barriers.
Reframe Setbacks as Progress:
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Grant uses examples like athletes who falter then excel to show how reinterpreting setbacks as learning opportunities silences self-doubt and fosters resilience.
Focus on Character Over Ability:
Praise for effort and grit, rather than raw talent, sustains motivation. Grant’s research-backed advice—seek feedback on your process—helps readers build a growth mindset, reducing the paralysing effects of self-doubt.