In a thought-provoking discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, delves into the urgency of rethinking our beliefs in a world of uncertainty. He encourages embracing 'imposter syndrome' as a sign of growth rather than a flaw. The importance of having friends who challenge our views is highlighted, urging listeners to step outside their comfort zones. Grant also emphasizes 'confident humility' in leadership, advocating for a learner mindset to support personal development amidst life's complexities.
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insights INSIGHT
The Importance of Rethinking
Rethinking is crucial because the world changes quickly, making outdated beliefs more consequential.
While we readily update trivial things, we resist rethinking important beliefs and knowledge, hindering our growth.
insights INSIGHT
Thinking Like a Scientist
Effective rethinking requires adopting a scientist's mindset: valuing humility, curiosity, and seeking contradictory evidence.
Avoid the preacher, prosecutor, and politician modes, which hinder rethinking by prioritizing defense, argument, or approval-seeking.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Intelligence Doesn't Equal Rethinking
Kate Bowler observes that intelligence and claiming unbiasedness do not guarantee rethinking abilities.
She reflects on faculty meetings, highlighting how smart individuals can be resistant to rethinking.
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In 'The Happiness Project', Gretchen Rubin chronicles her year-long journey to enhance her happiness. Despite having a fulfilling life, Rubin realized she wasn’t focusing enough on her own happiness. She divided her project into twelve months, each with a different area of focus and specific goals. From boosting energy and improving her marriage to enhancing her work life and leisure activities, Rubin tested various strategies, including those from Epicurus, Thoreau, and modern scientists. The book combines historical wisdom, scientific research, and personal anecdotes to provide practical advice on how to make life happier and more fulfilling.
Option B
Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Adam Grant
Sheryl Sandberg
Option B is a book that delves into the themes of grief, loss, and resilience. It begins with Sheryl Sandberg's personal account of her husband's sudden death and her journey through acute grief and isolation. The book extends beyond her personal story to explore how various individuals have overcome different types of hardships, including illness, job loss, sexual assault, and natural disasters. It offers practical advice and research-based strategies for creating resilient families, communities, and workplaces. The authors emphasize the importance of processing feelings, avoiding self-blame, and finding small victories to rebuild emotional equanimity[2][3][4].
Think Again
Adam Grant
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
No Cure for Being Human : (and Other Truths I Need to Hear)
Kate Bowler
In 'No Cure for Being Human', Kate Bowler reflects on her life after being diagnosed with cancer at age 35. With dry wit and unflinching honesty, she critiques the modern 'best life now' advice industry that promotes exhausting positivity and the idea that one can out-eat, out-learn, and out-perform their humanness. Bowler explores her diagnosis, ambition, and faith, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the need for truth and community in the face of adversity. The book is a heartfelt memoir that meditates on sickness, family, and recovery, offering fresh insights on life and chronic illness.
Everything is in flux. Nothing is the same anymore. How do we live amid all of this uncertainty? Well, psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant believes we may have to do some re-thinking. In this episode, Kate and Adam speak about the courage it takes to think again about things that we once felt so certain about, how “imposter syndrome” might be a good instinct, and how we all need friends who challenge us (even if it makes us wildly uncomfortable… thanks a lot, Adam!).
Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts.
Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.
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