Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again delivers a powerful new perspective on how we can unlock our own capabilities and empower those around us to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

In our society, we often fixate on natural talent, praising child prodigies in the arts, gifted students in class, or athletes born with natural aptitude. However, this focus can blind us to the incredible distance each of us can travel through practice, character development, and a determination to learn and grow. Improvement isn’t reserved only for the naturally gifted—it’s something accessible and achievable for everyone. If opportunities aren’t knocking at your door, Adam Grant shows you precisely how you can build that door yourself.

In Hidden Potential, Adam Grant offers a fresh model for increasing motivation and performance, challenging assumptions about what it truly takes to excel. Combining illuminating evidence, eye-opening research, and captivating real-life examples, he takes readers on an inspiring journey—from classrooms and companies, to playgrounds and Olympic arenas, even underground and into space. Grant reveals that lasting growth and exceptional results don’t merely arise from working harder; they come from learning smarter. Excellence doesn’t just rely on innate genius—it’s built by cultivating your character.

Packed with surprising insights and stories that resonate deeply, Hidden Potential teaches readers how to develop character traits and motivational systems to fully realize their true potential. It also guides leaders and educators in designing structures and cultures that create opportunity, especially for individuals who may have traditionally been underestimated or overlooked.

While many authors examine only the habits of high performers who have already succeeded, Grant goes further by demonstrating how every individual can achieve greater heights—no matter their starting point. Ultimately, he shows that the real measure of your potential isn’t just the peak of what you’ve already reached; it’s about the effort, improvement, and personal growth you’ve shown getting there.

“This brilliant book challenges assumptions about what it truly takes to improve and become successful. I wish I had this insight earlier in my life—it could have guided me toward greater joy in my progression.” —Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion