Impostor syndrome is not a clue that you're unqualified. It's a sign of hidden potential. When you think others are overestimating you, it's more likely that you're underestimating yourself. Others have an outside view. They can see capacity for growth that's not yet visible to you.
I told myself for years I wasn't a writer, despite the fact I was a journalist and then had a 30 year career writing albeit in corporate and strategic communications. I wrote every single day. Yet, I told myself I wasn't a writer. Because I hadn't written a novel I wasn't a writer?? I don't know where this thinking came from. I'm sure it has alot to do with imposter syndrome. I'm looking forward to reading your book (or listening to it!)
Is there a certain "critical period" of time for maximizing our academic potential? If so, and we have already passed this point, is it still possible to fulfill said potential?
Thank you for this reflection, study and extrapolation of big data from within us to make them become intelligent outputs and not only to give the correct answer, but rather to create a value of well-being on ourselves and our basic biology that guides us towards the the balance of serenity.
Personally, I was told the same thing by my primary school teacher (that I didn't know how to write) by making me recopy my entire first notebook as punishment just because I had written with too much imagination and too much content, while the others wrote one or two lines, which in his opinion, my confusion made no sense: I always doubted myself until I realized that, perhaps, I don't know how to write correctly and didactically well, but it is one of the skills that best distinguish me. With this I am able to transfer my feelings and my knowledge in an empathetic way in relationships both at work and in private life, which is no small thing.
This is an interesting take on imposter syndrome. I've researched self-awareness and the academic findings suggest that the people who are most self-aware are aware of what they don't know and therefore rate themselves as poorer performers.
There's correlation between people who think they're higher performers and low self-awareness, and the converse.
The notion of imposter syndrome seems to align with greater self-awareness: imposter syndrome arises when people known how much they don't know. And, like the Dunning Kruger effect lays out (and Adam references in his book Think Again), those with the greatest confidence have the least competence!
Has anyone started a Hidden Potential Discord server? I would love to join one or start one so people can share their journeys and find support/scaffolding.
Dear Adam, I would love to see and hear you, Herminia Ibarra and Alain de Botton discuss together on potential and success. You have both complimentary and contradicting ideas.
Looking forward to reading this book. I sincerely thought being a perfectionist was a good thing. It seems like in my country of origin that's how we think of it.
After living in the USA for 19 years, things have shifted for the better. So I can not wait to discover that hidden potential in me and others.
Seth Godin said “Hidden Potential is the most important book in Adam Grant’s career.” Thirty pages in and I’m ready to agree with him.
I told myself for years I wasn't a writer, despite the fact I was a journalist and then had a 30 year career writing albeit in corporate and strategic communications. I wrote every single day. Yet, I told myself I wasn't a writer. Because I hadn't written a novel I wasn't a writer?? I don't know where this thinking came from. I'm sure it has alot to do with imposter syndrome. I'm looking forward to reading your book (or listening to it!)
Excellent. Leaders need to play an important role to bring out the latent potential.
Waldorf or Rudolf Steiner schools have used looping for primary aged children since 1919 for the very reasons you outline.
Plus block teaching of a main topic for 3 or 4 weeks.
Is there a certain "critical period" of time for maximizing our academic potential? If so, and we have already passed this point, is it still possible to fulfill said potential?
Thank you for this reflection, study and extrapolation of big data from within us to make them become intelligent outputs and not only to give the correct answer, but rather to create a value of well-being on ourselves and our basic biology that guides us towards the the balance of serenity.
Personally, I was told the same thing by my primary school teacher (that I didn't know how to write) by making me recopy my entire first notebook as punishment just because I had written with too much imagination and too much content, while the others wrote one or two lines, which in his opinion, my confusion made no sense: I always doubted myself until I realized that, perhaps, I don't know how to write correctly and didactically well, but it is one of the skills that best distinguish me. With this I am able to transfer my feelings and my knowledge in an empathetic way in relationships both at work and in private life, which is no small thing.
I needed to see this on my reading list today. Timing or coincidence either way I’m grateful.
Thanks for sharing all this Adam. Super excited to read Hidden Potential.
Best wishes!
I can’t wait to read your new book!!
What happened to the signed book giveaway? I joined Substack just for this.
This is an interesting take on imposter syndrome. I've researched self-awareness and the academic findings suggest that the people who are most self-aware are aware of what they don't know and therefore rate themselves as poorer performers.
There's correlation between people who think they're higher performers and low self-awareness, and the converse.
The notion of imposter syndrome seems to align with greater self-awareness: imposter syndrome arises when people known how much they don't know. And, like the Dunning Kruger effect lays out (and Adam references in his book Think Again), those with the greatest confidence have the least competence!
That last quote is so great I had to write it down! Thank you for all of your insights and interesting stories
We all need to start seeing Imposter Syndrome as a good thing!
When you feel it, it means you’re doing something new!
When you don’t feel it at all, you’re not growing, that’s the time to worry. 👏
Has anyone started a Hidden Potential Discord server? I would love to join one or start one so people can share their journeys and find support/scaffolding.
Dear Adam, I would love to see and hear you, Herminia Ibarra and Alain de Botton discuss together on potential and success. You have both complimentary and contradicting ideas.
Looking forward to reading this book. I sincerely thought being a perfectionist was a good thing. It seems like in my country of origin that's how we think of it.
After living in the USA for 19 years, things have shifted for the better. So I can not wait to discover that hidden potential in me and others.