Malcolm Gladwell discusses topics such as overemphasizing innate talent, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, affirmative action, humility, psychoanalysis, and the experiences of Lions and Bills fans in a lively conversation with Adam Grant on his podcast, WorkLife.
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Quick takeaways
Perfectionism can hinder growth by focusing on small details and avoiding risks.
Affirmative action programs come with a stigma that affects beneficiaries' performance and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
The Impact of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can have detrimental effects on individuals. It leads to a hyperfocus on small details instead of seeing the bigger picture. Perfectionists often engage in rumination and harsh self-criticism rather than practicing self-compassion. They tend to stay within their comfort zones, avoiding risks and challenges that could lead to growth. This mindset prevents them from embracing failure and learning from mistakes. The rise of perfectionism may be attributed to increasing parental expectations and criticism, driven by a competitive and zero-sum mentality in society.
Affirmative Action's Double-Edged Sword
Affirmative action programs aim to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. While they help open doors for these individuals, the programs come with a stigma that affects their performance. Affirmative action beneficiaries often experience imposter syndrome and self-doubt, questioning their qualifications and whether they truly belong. Furthermore, others may cast doubt on their achievements, perpetuating feelings of inadequacy. The evidence suggests that affirmative action can be a challenging experience, causing emotional exhaustion and distraction from learning. A potential alternative might be to focus on understanding individual obstacles and providing support based on specific circumstances rather than group membership.
Reassessing Potential Based on Values
When faced with choices, individuals should consider their values rather than solely focusing on external achievements. It is crucial to define success in alignment with personal values, rather than pursuing status or prestige. Parents should shift their focus from pushing their children towards specific accomplishments and instead emphasize character development. Success should be measured by the individuals' own growth and the positive impact they have on others. Understanding one's values allows for making choices that align with individual priorities and fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Revisiting College Choices with a Focus on Values
The college decision-making process should be guided by personal values and goals. For instance, an African American student interested in pursuing a career in science or medicine may face a choice between an Ivy League school and a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The student should consider their aspirations, whether their priority is breaking glass ceilings, creating opportunities for others, or personal growth. What matters most is finding a path that allows them to live their values rather than chasing external validation. The focus should shift from achieving goals to living a life that aligns with personal principles.
Malcolm Gladwell hosts a rollicking live discussion about Adam's new book, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things," which is out today. They explore why we overemphasize innate talent, how Adam grappled with impostor syndrome as a writer and perfectionism as an athlete, and how to chart a path toward achieving greater things. They also discuss the evidence on affirmative action — and riff on topics ranging from humility to psychoanalysis to whether Lions or Bills fans suffer more. This is a conversation from WorkLife with Adam Grant, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective about the science of making work not suck. Listen to WorkLife with Adam Grant wherever you're listening to this.
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