World Leading Psychologist ON Why You’re FAILING and Why Discomfort Will UNLOCK Success | Adam Grant

Added: Nov 7, 2023

Grant shares his personal experience of overcoming his fear of public speaking by intentionally putting himself in uncomfortable situations, such as giving guest lectures in front of large classrooms. He also discusses the concept of seeking advice rather than feedback, and the value of asking for input from others to identify areas for growth.

The psychologist also delves into the idea of self-evaluation, drawing from his experience as a former springboard diver. He explains the importance of setting specific goals for improvement and seeking feedback from others to gauge progress. Grant also emphasizes the need to balance external feedback with personal pride and reflection on one's own progress.

The conversation also touches on the importance of self-reflection and authenticity in personal growth. Grant shares his own experience of creating content online and the initial fear of looking stupid or being judged. He highlights the value of staying true to oneself and using negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement.

Grant also discusses the misconception of how learning happens, highlighting the need to use knowledge as it is acquired rather than waiting to reach mastery. He shares the example of language learners who benefit from speaking the language from day one, allowing them to internalize and master it through practice. Grant emphasizes the importance of learning by teaching, as it helps individuals remember and understand concepts better.

The conversation delves into the concept of coaching and the stigma surrounding it. Grant challenges the notion that coaching is limited to specific domains and encourages individuals to seek coaching in various aspects of their lives. He emphasizes the role of a coach in bringing out a better version of oneself and the value of seeking guidance from someone with different knowledge and skills.

Grant also shares his personal experience with imperfectionism, admitting that he is not fully recovered from perfectionism. He discusses the challenge of releasing imperfect work and the importance of finding the sweet spot between flawed and flawless. Grant acknowledges the discomfort of self-promotion but emphasizes the distinction between self-promotion and idea promotion. He shares his journey of overcoming the fear of self-promotion and embracing the idea of promoting knowledge rather than oneself.

One of the key takeaways from the interview is the idea that deliberate play can be just as important, if not more so, than deliberate practice for growth. Grant explains that incorporating playfulness into the learning process can make skill development more enjoyable and sustainable. This challenges the traditional notion of practice as a monotonous and exhausting process, and suggests that finding joy in the learning journey can be a powerful motivator.

Another important insight from the interview is the concept of moving back to move forward. Grant discusses the idea that when we get stuck, it can be beneficial to take a step back and reevaluate our approach. This challenges the notion that progress is always linear and encourages us to embrace the idea of pivoting and trying new approaches when faced with obstacles.

The conversation also delves into the topic of choice in education, specifically whether children should be able to choose what they study. Grant suggests that while too much choice can be overwhelming, allowing students to have some autonomy within constraints can be beneficial. This approach allows for individual preferences and strengths to be taken into account while still providing a structured learning environment.

Additionally, the interview touches on the importance of continuity in education. Grant highlights the benefits of having the same teacher for multiple years, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the student's strengths and areas for growth. This continuity can provide valuable insights and support for students as they navigate their educational journey.