Adam Grant | Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things | Talks at Google

He argues we see ourselves from the inside, which creates blind spots and can hide our strengths; focusing on where you start can mislead you about how far you can go. He suggests seeking knowledgeable people who can “hold up a mirror” and offer a better read on what you could become in 5–10 years.

He describes “deliberate play” as turning skill-building into engaging challenges rather than a miserable grind. This helps avoid burnout and “boreout,” and he illustrates it with Evelyn Glennie creating interesting constraints (e.g., trying to harmonize Bach on a snare drum).

He says perfectionism correlates with better grades but shows no relationship with job performance or career success, because work involves unknown problems and less predictable grading. He frames “imperfectionism” as tolerating the right mistakes—avoiding catastrophic errors while accepting growth-related imperfections.

He contends confidence is often the result of taking on challenges, not a prerequisite for them. Progress builds belief, and waiting to feel “ready” can become a form of self-limiting delay.

Referencing Basima Tewfik’s research, he reframes feeling like an imposter as a gap between others’ expectations and your own. He points out the paradox of trusting your self-judgment while also believing you don’t know what you’re doing, and suggests that if multiple people believe in you, it may be time to believe them.