Author Adam Grant joins the show to discuss turning the daily grind into daily joy, the importance of character skills in succeeding, hyperpolyglots and language learning, seeking actionable advice, and more.
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Quick takeaways
Character skills are more important than raw talent for success.
Embrace discomfort and seek challenging situations to accelerate skill development.
Learning from someone a few steps ahead is more effective than learning from an expert.
Applying knowledge in practical settings is crucial for optimal learning and skill development.
Deep dives
Character skills are more important than talent
Character skills, such as being proactive, disciplined, and determined, have been found to be more important than raw talent. In an experiment with West African entrepreneurs, those who focused on developing character skills saw a 30% increase in profitability, while those who focused on cognitive skills saw only an 11% increase. Additionally, research on kindergarteners showed that character skills, such as discipline and determination, were more predictive of future success than starting math and reading scores. This suggests that character skills can be taught and learned, and may have a greater influence on success than innate talent.
Embracing discomfort accelerates learning
In order to learn a new skill, it is important to embrace discomfort and actively seek out challenging situations. Language learners, for example, have found that immersing themselves in a country where the language is spoken forces them to use the language and accelerates their learning. Benny, a language learner who became proficient in Mandarin in just five months, set a goal of making 200 mistakes per day to push himself out of his comfort zone. By embracing discomfort and actively engaging in challenging experiences, learners can speed up their progress and develop their skills more effectively.
Using scaffolding to learn from experts
When learning a new skill, it is often more effective to learn from someone who is just a few steps ahead, rather than a true expert. Experts may have difficulty teaching beginners because they have already internalized the skill and may struggle to relate to the challenges beginners face. By learning from someone who has recently acquired the skill, learners can benefit from relatability and receive instruction that is more aligned with their current level of understanding.
The importance of using and applying knowledge
In various studies and experiments, it has been found that simply acquiring cognitive knowledge or learning in a classroom setting is not sufficient for optimal learning. It is crucial to apply the knowledge and actively use it in practical settings to internalize and solidify the skills. This could involve proactive problem-solving, taking risks, and immersing oneself in hands-on experiences related to the skill being learned. By actively using and applying knowledge, learners can foster deeper understanding and more rapid development of their abilities.
Embracing Discomfort and Seeking Growth
Stepping outside of our comfort zones and seeking discomfort can lead to significant personal growth. By taking risks and challenging ourselves, we can learn and improve at a faster rate. For example, the speaker shares their experience with public speaking, where they went beyond their comfort zone by volunteering for long guest lectures in front of hundreds of students. This willingness to embrace discomfort and seek out high-stakes situations resulted in accelerated learning and development.
Asking for Advice Instead of Feedback
When seeking feedback, we often receive surface-level praise or criticism, which may not provide actionable insights for improvement. Instead, asking for advice allows us to receive specific recommendations and practical pointers from others. Unlike feedback, advice tends to focus on actionable steps that we can implement immediately. By shifting our approach to seeking advice, we can gather more valuable and constructive input that helps us grow and become a better version of ourselves.
The Relationship Between Effort and Performance
The common belief is that putting in more effort leads to better performance. However, research indicates that excessive effort can have diminishing returns and even lead to burnout. Quality of work can decrease, and energy levels can dwindle when we overexert ourselves. Setting boundaries, finding a balance, and prioritizing areas of growth and innovation are essential for maintaining sustainable and efficient performance.
