Preface: “Personality is how you respond on a typical day, character is how you show up on a hard day.” ― Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Book Report: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
In Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant tackles a vital question: What does it take to unlock our fullest potential? In typical Grant fashion, the book is rich with psychological research, real-world examples, and storytelling that challenges long-standing assumptions about talent, intelligence, and success.
At the heart of Grant’s argument is the belief that greatness isn’t born—it’s grown. And one of the most overlooked yet essential ingredients in this growth is character.
Skills of Character: The Core Idea
Grant defines character not as a fixed trait or moral superiority, but as “your capacity to prioritize your values over your instincts.” It’s what enables a person to do the hard thing when the easy thing feels more natural. The good news, according to Grant, is that character is not innate—it’s malleable and can be intentionally developed.
Rather than placing success solely on intelligence or natural talent, Hidden Potential makes a compelling case that it’s the internal skills of character—like the ability to seek discomfort, persevere through awkwardness, and take initiative in unfamiliar territory—that truly set high achievers apart.
Embracing Discomfort
One of the standout messages of the book is that discomfort is essential for growth. Grant states, “The best way to accelerate growth is to embrace, seek, and amplify discomfort.”
He references situations where people voluntarily put themselves in uncomfortable environments—be it athletes training at higher altitudes or students grappling with unfamiliar topics—not because it’s pleasant, but because it stretches their capacity. This aligns with the psychological concept of “desirable difficulty”, where learning is deeper and more lasting when it feels hard.
This theme comes through most vividly when Grant quotes the fictional coach Ted Lasso: “If you’re comfortable, you’re doing it wrong.” In other words, comfort may be the enemy of growth.
The Myth of Learning Styles
Another crucial insight Grant explores is the myth of learning styles. Though widely accepted in popular culture and education, the idea that people learn best in their preferred mode (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.) doesn’t hold up under scientific scrutiny.
According to Grant, people may have learning preferences, but those preferences do not correlate with better outcomes. Often, they are simply a reflection of what feels most comfortable. Grant argues that learning effectively often requires doing what is uncomfortable, which circles back to his core message.
He encourages readers to challenge their assumptions about how they best absorb knowledge and to experiment with unfamiliar modes of learning. For example, a person who thinks they are a visual learner may actually retain more by teaching others or engaging in active discussion.
Procrastination: A Matter of Emotion, Not Laziness
In a clear take on procrastination, Grant challenges the common misconception that it stems from laziness or poor time management. Instead, he frames procrastination as an emotional avoidance strategy—a way to sidestep the discomfort tied to a task.
This builds on psychologist Tim Pychyl’s research that suggests we don’t procrastinate to avoid work—we do it to avoid negative emotions like anxiety, self-doubt, or boredom. The implication: if we want to stop procrastinating, we need to stop avoiding discomfort and start embracing it.
Again, this aligns with Grant’s broader argument: the ability to tolerate and even seek out discomfort is a cornerstone of character development and long-term achievement.
From Theory to Practice
Grant’s ideas are more than theoretical. Throughout the book, he backs up his points with practical strategies, stories of real people who overcame odds by building character-based skills, and guidance on how readers can do the same.
For example, he recommends:
-
- Deliberate discomfort: Put yourself in situations that stretch your limits.
- Reflective journaling: Document moments when you acted against your values—and how to improve next time.
- Accountability partnerships: Surround yourself with people who remind you of your values when instincts push you elsewhere.
Conclusion
Hidden Potential is a powerful reminder that who we become is less about who we are now and more about how we choose to grow. Through his discussion of character as a set of learnable skills, Grant offers an optimistic and evidence-based path to self-improvement.
In a world obsessed with talent and quick wins, Grant shifts the focus to the slow, often uncomfortable work of building the inner skills that sustain true success. For students, professionals, and lifelong learners alike, this book offers a clear and deeply motivating lens through which to understand growth, challenge, and the pursuit of excellence.