The Art of Manliness

The Art and Science of Getting Unstuck

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May 17, 2023
Adam Alter, a social psychologist and marketing professor, delves into the universal feeling of being stuck. He reveals that even the most successful individuals have faced periods of stagnation. Adam discusses the 'goal gradient effect' and the illusion of the creative cliff, highlighting how accepting one's stuckness is often the first step toward progress. He shares practical tactics to get unstuck, such as conducting a friction audit and balancing exploration with exploitation, encouraging listeners to embrace failure as a pathway to growth.
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INSIGHT

Stuckness Defined

  • Getting stuck is a common human experience, even for high achievers.
  • It involves a temporary inability to progress in a domain that matters, causing psychological discomfort.
INSIGHT

Goal Gradient Effect and Plateaus

  • The goal gradient effect describes a lull in motivation during the middle of pursuing a goal.
  • Plateaus, where current strategies become ineffective, further contribute to stuckness.
ANECDOTE

A-ha's Persistence

  • A-ha's song "Take On Me" faced multiple rejections and revisions before becoming a hit.
  • Their persistence demonstrates the importance of not giving up when facing setbacks.
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