Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

 

Title: Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater

Author: Adam  Grant

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Length: 302 Pages

Audible: 7 Hours and 21 Minutes

About the Author
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of TED’s most popular speakers,
His pioneering research has inspired people to rethink fundamental assumptions about motivation, generosity, creativity, and potential. 

Unlocking Hidden Potential and Achieving Greater Things
Dr. Grant believes the learning process isn't complete when we acquire knowledge. It is complete when we consistently apply that knowledge.

The author focuses on the following three concepts for unlocking hidden potential;

• Build character skills. Become a creature of discomfort - Become a sponge - Become an imperfectionist.
• Set up scaffolding to overcome obstacles. Turn practice into play - Take the roundabout path to progress - Fly by your own bootstraps.
• Build Systems of Opportunity. Design schools to bring out the best in all students - Unearth collective intelligence in teams - Discover uncut gems in job interviews and college applications.

My Thoughts
I listened to this book on Audible (twice) and then printed out the PDF summary sheets that came with the audiobook. I studied the key concepts that were presented and determined which ones I needed to consistently apply to my life.

I want to become a creature of discomfort. I tend to beat myself up when I make a mistake and live the experience over and over again in my mind. This is especially true when I play the piano in public. I have struggled with "stage fright" since I was a child. Dr. Grant suggests that when you expect to stumble, you ruminate about it less and improve more. 

I like the idea of becoming a sponge. Progress hinges on the quality of the information you take in, not on the quantity of information you seek out. I will try to determine what information is absorbed and which should be filtered out. 

I will turn practice into play. I will apply this to my piano practice and my art projects. I will measure my progress over time, not against an opponent. 

I will harness both high and low expectations as motivation. "If ignorant naysayers doubt you, take it as a challenge. Instead of letting them crush your confidence, recognize it as an opportunity to prove them wrong."

There are many interesting concepts in this book but these four ideas really resonate with me. This is an excellent book and the author does a great job reading the audiobook. I have become addicted to Audible and love it more every day.

MY RATING - 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Get Things Done By Setting Destiny Goals

Volcanic Momentum: Get Things Done by Setting Destiny Goals, Mastering the Energy Code, and Never Losing Steam

Author: Jordan Ring

Publisher: Archangel Ink

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 178 Pages








About the Author
Jordan Ring's primary goal is to help people live a life of less talk and more action. When he isn’t busy writing, blogging, or podcasting, Jordan is also the book marketing and launch guru for clients over at his second home, Archangel Ink. 

Never Lose Steam
Jordan Ring has written a high-impact guide for setting goals and getting things done. The first step is to dive enthusiastically into the problem. Don't hesitate. Take the leap and then take that next step.

Mr. Ring shares the following three kinds of goals that we should all set to achieve volcanic momentum and dynamic results;

• SAGS - Small attainable goals. These goals will help you achieve quick success and keep up the momentum.
• BHAGS - Big hairy audacious goals. Large goals that will have a huge impact on your life.
• Destiny Goals - These are the goals you want to achieve to leave a legacy. These goals go beyond you.

Jordan shares his own life experiences and provides inspiration, motivation and MOMENTUM to help you build the life you desire.

MY THOUTHTS

I have read quite a few self-help books that focus on goal setting for success. I believe this book is right up there with the best of them. 

This book provides well-organized information that is easy to implement and adapt to your life. The author writes in a style that is energetic, motivating and encouraging. Mr. Ring does not hesitate to share his Christian faith with his readers in an honest and straightforward manner.

I think the one thing that impressed me the most about this book was the idea of setting destiny goals. 

Destiny goals can change the world by tapping into the potential of each of us as individuals to bring about bigger change. How you choose to change the world is entirely based on your own experiences and life circumstance. We are all on different life paths, but harnessing your uniqueness into the power of a Destiny Goal will give you firm and clear direction.

It has never been easy for me to come up with a set of goals and put them IN WRITING. This book has finally convinced me to start a journal and create and track goals for my life. 

This is an excellent book to read at the end of the year to help you set goals for a happy and successful new year.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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The Power Of Purpose

What are you living for?

What is the purpose of your life?

A purpose in life gives something to live for, something to work for and something to hope for. It is purpose in life that gives a person determination and the will to succeed.

The power of purpose is the power of love. No person can hold on to any purpose with all his heart unless he loves the cause that he is striving for.

Success does not come down on us like rain out of heaven. If we are only half serious and our purpose is only a desire, then when the sun comes down on us burning and smothering us, and we feel tired from our efforts, we will give up. But if our desire becomes a steady purpose to be successful in the thing we have undertaken, then we will not mind the sun and the heat and our weariness, but will work on with our purpose before us.

It is almost impossible to estimate the power of purpose in life. Things thought out of reason have been accomplished through purpose. Every great and noble deed that has ever been done has had for its captain and soldiers men and women of strong purpose.

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what consittues true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~ Helen Keller

"The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose." ~ William Cowper

"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy." ~ Og Mandino