Sports examples may not be applicable to skills outside of athletics because our physical abilities are less adaptable than our mental capabilities. While athletes like Steph Curry and Tom Brady can overcome physical limitations, it's easier to develop non-sports related skills. For example, the process of becoming proficient in diving compared to public speaking is drastically different. The speaker confesses to initially being terrible at both and shares their journey of intense dedication and training to improve their diving abilities.
Today, we’re taking a break from war to talk about the science of human potential and a new book on that subject from the psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant. In 'Hidden Potential,' Grant shares stories and studies across sports, religious history, coaching, and economics to explain why we're bad at cultivating our own potential and identifying ability in others. We talk about education and affirmative action, scouting quarterbacks, coaching Steph Curry, and, for reasons that will soon become apparent, the spread of Protestantism.
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.
Host: Derek Thompson
Guest: Adam Grant
Producer: Devon Manze
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