GRANTED: My favorite books—and your favorite links—of 2021

December 2021

We're too eager to bet on people who overestimate themselves—and too hesitant to invest in those who underestimate themselves.
 
It's easier to build up confidence than to tear down arrogance. The people with the most potential are the ones who know they have a lot to learn.
 
Despite all the ills of 2021 (and due to some of them), I did learn a lot. Here are the highlights:

1. My 4 favorite books of the year explored the psychology of thinking outside your brain, the false promise of time management, the science of having good fights, and the human capacity for wonder.
 
2. Your favorite read was my NYT article on languishing. Here’s a collection of resources that I curated on how we can escape the blahs, find flow, and move toward flourishing.
 
3. Your favorite podcast episodes:

• Malcolm Gladwell on questioning everything: Apple | Spotify | Transcript

• Lin-Manuel Miranda on creativity: Apple | Spotify | Transcript

• Indra Nooyi on what it means for leaders to care: Apple | Spotify | Transcript

• Is it safe to speak up at work? Apple | Spotify | Transcript

Wishing you the best for a better 2022.

In solidarity,

Adam Grant, Ph.D.
Organizational psychologist at Wharton, author of THINK AGAIN, ORIGINALS, GIVE AND TAKE, and OPTION B, and host of WorkLife, a TED original podcast