What makes us successful?  

What makes our lives fulfilling? 

Are they the same things? 

We’re exposed to so many ideas of what is success, it’s not always easy to be clear on what path best serves us. This episode’s guest, Adam Grant, is an organizational psychologist and expert on what motivates us, what gives us meaning, and how we can live more generous and creative lives.

This conversation takes some personal turns, with Adam and the Surgeon General talking about their friendship, marriage, kids, and recent struggles, including a shared tendency to seek out the approval of others. They open up about failures and how we can learn from them. 

Adam also shares an unconventional idea for helping his kids feel valued and loved. Listen as this episode gets real about what’s at the heart of a fulfilling life.

(03:30)    How does Adam Grant define success?

(07:44)    Are fame, fortune, and power really the values we need for successful lives?

(12:05)    Why do character and values matter and how do we cultivate them? 

(20:08)    How does Adam create boundaries for tech and social media in his own life?

(27:01)    How does Adam extend what he studies as an organizational psychologist to his children?

(39:42)    Why does Adam find value in being open about his struggles and failures?

(44:39)    How can we talk about our current struggles, even when it’s sensitive?

(46:50)    Dr. Vivek Murthy shares a personal struggle of his own.

(48:20)    How can we address habits and traits that impact our relationships?

(51:48)    Should Meeting Night become the new Date Night?

(55:16)   How does Adam find time to cultivate and maintain friendships?

(01:01:11)    Do we have to learn lessons by making mistakes ourselves? Can’t we learn from the mistakes of others?

(01:07:57)    What gives Adam hope?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.  

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.  

Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist

Instagram: @adamgrant

X: @adammgrant

LinkedIn: @adammgrant

Facebook: @adammgrant

About Adam Grant

Adam Grant has been Wharton’s top-rated professor for 7 straight years. As an organizational psychologist, he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives. He has been recognized as the world’s #2 most influential management thinker and one of Fortune’s 40 under 40.

He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 6 books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 45 languages: “Hidden Potential”, “Think Again”, “Give and Take”, “Originals”, “Option B”, and “Power Moves”. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His viral piece on languishing was the most-read New York Times article of 2021 and the most-saved article across all platforms.

Adam hosts the TED podcasts “Re:Thinking” and “WorkLife”, which have been downloaded over 70 million times. His TED talks on languishing, original thinkers, and givers and takers have over 35 million views. He has received a standing ovation at TED and was voted the audience’s favorite speaker at The Nantucket Project. His speaking and consulting clients include Google, the NBA, Bridgewater, and the Gates Foundation. He writes on work and psychology for the New York Times, has served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon, has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and has appeared on Billions. He has more than 8 million followers on social media and features new insights in his free monthly newsletter, GRANTED.