Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Grant reflects on the significance of dreams and the journey of realizing one’s potential. Initially, Grant hesitated to emphasize dreams, fearing it sounded too idealistic. However, he discovered evidence that people with bigger dreams often achieve greater things. Tracking thousands of individuals from birth to adulthood, researchers found that aspirations formed in adolescence uniquely influenced educational and career outcomes, even after accounting for other factors like cognitive skills and family background.

Grant shares a personal anecdote to illustrate the importance of dreams. As a high school senior, he dreamt of attending Harvard after watching Good Will Hunting. Despite financial constraints and self-doubt, he pursued this dream successfully. His journey at Harvard was marked by challenges but, instead of succumbing to impostor syndrome, Grant embraced a growth mindset, seeking continuous feedback and ultimately excelling.

Grant revisits the concept of “scaffolding,” the support system that helps individuals navigate their growth journeys. He credits his success to mentors who provided guidance and encouragement.

Throughout his career, Grant applied these lessons, both in his teaching and writing, learning to engage students with surprising evidence and compelling narratives. After achieving tenure at Wharton, Grant felt a responsibility to share his knowledge beyond academia.