Unexpected events can lead to new passions and talents: Unexpected events, even if challenging, can reveal hidden abilities and bring about significant life changes
Unexpected events, whether small or large, can significantly alter the course of our lives. Derek Kamado, our first story, is a prime example of this. Despite having no formal musical training, Derek's life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a serious injury in 2006. This event led him to discover his unique ability to play the piano, which became a source of great passion and purpose for him. The discussion also highlighted the importance of early exposure and interest in music, even without formal training. The second story, not mentioned in detail, also emphasizes the transformative power of unexpected events. So, embrace the unpredictability of life, as it may lead to new perspectives and hidden talents.
Unexpected musical ability after head injury: Sustaining a head injury led to an unexpected musical talent for the speaker, providing comfort and distraction during recovery.
A severe head injury led to an unexpected musical ability for the speaker. After sustaining a concussion, the speaker spent several days recovering and feeling disoriented. During this time, they were drawn to a dusty old keyboard in their friend's house. Without any prior piano experience, the speaker sat down and began to play, losing themselves in the music for hours. Their friend was moved to tears by the unexpected performance, and the speaker was reluctant to stop, fearing the ability might disappear. The experience left the speaker feeling both exhausted and exhilarated, and they returned home to continue their recovery. This unexpected musical ability served as a source of comfort and distraction during the speaker's recovery from their injury.
Unexpected talents can emerge at any age: Embrace new abilities, be open to growth, and trust in yourself, even when talents emerge unexpectedly.
Unexpected talents and abilities can emerge at any stage in life, even when we least expect it. The speaker in this story discovered he could play the piano well after an accident, and was initially anxious about sharing this newfound skill with his mother. He ultimately decided to show her at a music store, and her reaction was profound. Despite initial skepticism, the speaker came to accept and embrace his new ability, showing that personal growth and discovery can happen at any age. It's important to be open to new experiences and to trust in the authenticity of our own abilities, even when they may seem unlikely or unexpected.
Newfound musical talent brings joy and inspiration: Embrace temporary abilities, share your gifts, and inspire others with the potential of the human brain
The sudden acquisition of a musical talent, even if temporary, can bring immense joy and inspiration, and it's essential to make the most of it while it lasts. The speaker in this conversation had to come to terms with the possibility of losing his newfound ability, but instead of being disheartened, he chose to embrace it fully and share it with the world. He also acknowledged the fascination and intrigue surrounding his unique situation, where he excelled in one area of music while struggling with the basics. Despite the skepticism of medical professionals, he remained determined to showcase his gift and inspire others with the potential of the human brain.
The Mystery of Extraordinary Brain Abilities: Embrace your unique brain traits, even if they're unconventional, and find joy and purpose in your passions.
Our understanding of the human brain and its capabilities is still a mystery, and for some individuals, such as Derek Amato, this mystery can lead to extraordinary abilities. Despite facing challenges and skepticism from experts, Derek embraces his unique condition, which includes hyperness, ADHD, and OCD, and sees it as part of who he is. He refuses to mask these traits with medication, even if it means potentially burning out his brain. Instead, he finds joy and purpose in his music, which he discovered after a head injury. This story highlights the complex relationship between nature and nurture and the importance of embracing our unique qualities, even if they don't fit neatly into conventional categories.
The Human Brain's Hidden Talents: A Look into Savant Syndrome: Despite unexpected brain injuries, the human brain can learn and acquire new skills effortlessly in various domains, as shown by individuals with Savant Syndrome.
The human brain has incredible potential for learning and acquiring new skills, even in unexpected ways. Savant syndrome, a condition characterized by exceptional abilities in specific areas, provides evidence of this. People with Savant syndrome often acquire their abilities after suffering brain injuries, particularly those affecting the left hemisphere. Researchers suggest that these individuals show right brain compensation, leading to skills in areas like art, music, and mathematics. Our brains may be naturally predisposed to these skills, as they are thought to be built into our architecture. Most learning happens effortlessly, without conscious effort, and many skills we possess feel more like fun than a chore. The unique aspect of Savant syndrome is the demonstration of effortless learning in domains that typically require sustained effort. While it's not recommended to intentionally seek brain injuries to uncover hidden talents, Derek's story serves as a reminder that we all have untapped abilities within us.
Exploring Unique Abilities and Passions: Discovering and embracing our unique talents and passions can lead to profound connections and joy in everyday life.
The savants, like Derek Amato, demonstrate the power of motivation and passion in connecting deeply with the world around them. Derek's unique ability to perceive and play music from the textures and depths of a wall is a reminder that each person has the capacity to find their own unique "vehicle to sing" and express their talents in meaningful ways. This episode of Hidden Brain, featuring Derek's extraordinary experience, offers inspiration for all of us to explore our own passions and find joy in the seemingly ordinary aspects of life. Derek's words, "Now I'm getting excited. Got any more walls to look at," serve as a reminder to stay curious and open to new experiences, even if they may initially seem strange or unexpected.
Episode 21: Stroke of Genius
Recent Episodes from Hidden Brain
You 2.0: Fighting Despair
Every morning, you wake up and face the world. What does it look like to you? Do you see a paradise of endless opportunities, where people are friendly and helpful? Or a world filled with injustice, where people cannot be trusted? In the final installment of this year's You 2.0 series, we talk with psychologist Jamil Zaki about how we become disillusioned and distrustful of the world, and how to balance realism with hope.
Did you miss any of the other episodes in the You 2.0 series? Make sure to give them a listen here or on our website:
- You 2.0: The Gift of Other People
- You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time
- You 2.0: How To Say No
- You 2.0: Remember More, Forget Less
And if you like today's conversation with Jamil Zaki, be sure to check out our earlier conversation with him, "The Empathy Gym."
You 2.0: Remember More, Forget Less
It happens to the best of us — we blank on someone's name, or forget an important meeting, or bomb a test we thought we'd ace. In this week's installment of our You 2.0 series, we talk to cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham about the mysteries of memory: how it works, why it fails us, and how to build memories that stick.
For more of our You 2.0 series, listen to our episode on how to say no.
You 2.0: How To Say No
Saying no to someone who asks for something is often easier said than done. Maybe it's a boss who wants you to take on a new assignment. Or your kid's teacher, seeking volunteers for a field trip. Or a friend who asks you to lend her money. How should we respond to these demands on our time, energy, and resources? This week, psychologist Vanessa Patrick explores why it's so hard to say no, and how we can set boundaries that will make it easier to do so.
If you haven't yet caught the first two episodes in this year's You 2.0 series, you can find them in this podcast feed, or on our website:
You 2.0: The Gift of Other People
You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time
Thanks for listening!
You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time
Many of us feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. We struggle to make time for all the competing demands at work and at home, and inevitably feel like we're letting someone down. But what if there were a way to reclaim our time and, as a result, get more joy out of our lives? In the second episode of this year's You 2.0 series, psychologist Cassie Mogilner Holmes explains how we've fallen victim to the illusion of time scarcity, and what we can do to spend our time more wisely.
If you enjoy today's episode, check out last week's kick-off to our series, "You 2.0: The Gift of Other People."
You 2.0: The Gift of Other People
Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with the person next to you on the train? Or do you keep your eyes fixed on your phone? Do you offer gratitude to friends and family? Or do you assume that they already know how you feel? This week, in the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, we talk with psychologist Nicholas Epley about our interactions with other people, and how we can make them more rewarding.
If you enjoy today's episode, check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:
You're Not the Boss of Me!
Whether in your personal life or at work, you've probably experienced what it’s like to have people reject your requests. To be told that what you want is unfair, or heavy-handed. And you've likely been in the opposite position as well — pushing back against requests that step on your freedom. This week, we talk to psychologist Benjamin Rosenberg about how we respond to infringements on our sense of autonomy, and how we can avoid sparking this resistance in our interactions with other people.
If you know someone who would like today's episode, please share it with them! And if you enjoy our show, please consider trying a free seven-day trial of our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. If you use an iPhone, you can sign up at apple.co/hiddenbrain. If you use an Android device, you can find Hidden Brain+ at support.hiddenbrain.org. Thanks for listening!
The Cure for Self-Importance
When we meet new people, we’re often drawn to those with a commanding presence or a dazzling personality. But it turns out that a very different trait — humility — is important in the long term. This week, in the first of a two-part discussion, we talk with psychologist Daryl Van Tongeren about different kinds of humility, and how this overlooked quality can play a powerful role in workplace dynamics and romantic relationships.
If you like today's episode, be sure to check out part two of our conversation, exclusively for Hidden Brain+ listeners. We talk with Daryl Van Tongeren about existential humility — being open to the idea we might be wrong about life's biggest unknowns. It's the episode called "Asking the Big Questions." To listen to Hidden Brain+ with a free seven-day trial, go to apple.co/hiddenbrain or support.hiddenbrain.org.
Where Truth Lies
When we think about misinformation, we often focus on blatant errors or deliberate attempts to deceive us. But in recent years, social scientists have found that misinformation comes in many flavors — many of which are far more subtle than obvious falsehoods. These forms of misinformation prey on our mental blindspots, and take advantage of our passions and loyalties. This week, economist Alex Edmans explores the many insidious forms of misinformation, and how we can all get better at separating fact from fiction.
For more of our work, please consider joining our podcast subscription. Hidden Brain+ is where you’ll find exclusive interviews and deeper dives into the ideas we explore on the show. You can try Hidden Brain+ with a free seven-day trial at apple.co/hiddenbrain. Or if you’re an Android user, sign up at support.hiddenbrain.org.
How To Be Alone
We're always told to reach for that next ring, work that third job, go to that boisterous party after a long day at work. You only live once ... right? But psychologist Netta Weinstein says that when we constantly engage in achievement and distraction, we lose something essential about ourselves. This week, she makes a case for solitude, and examines what happens when we seek a quieter, more reflective interior life.
If you like today's episode, check out our two-part series on mindfulness:
Changing Our Mental Maps
As we move through the world, It's easy to imagine we're processing everything that happens around us and then deciding how to respond. But psychologist and neuroscientist Norman Farb says our brains actually navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system, allowing us to navigate our lives more efficiently. But sometimes, they can lead us astray, leaving us stuck on a path of negativity and unhappiness. This week, we talk with Norman Farb about how we can update our internal maps and see the world more clearly.
If you like this episode, be sure to check out part two of our chat with Norman Farb for Hidden Brain+. That episode is called "Making Sense." You can try Hidden Brain+ for free with a seven-day trial by going to support.hiddenbrain.org or apple.co/hiddenbrain.
Related Episodes
Identifying and Cultivating Your Unique Abilities
Join us on an invigorating exploration of self-discovery and empowerment as we enhance Dan Sullivan's principles of unique abilities, blended masterfully with Dr. Jolene Church's transformative insights from her book "Allowing Inspired Transformation: 6 Steps to Defining Your Purpose for an Epic Effect."
What You'll Discover:
- The foundational principles of unique abilities, expanded through the lens of Dan Sullivan's wisdom.
- Dr. Jolene Church's captivating revelations on intertwining life's purpose with one's intrinsic strengths.
- A comprehensive journey through the 6 pivotal steps to defining and authentically connecting with your purpose.
- Actionable strategies tailored for those eager to nurture and elevate their innate talents.
- Reflective tools and dynamic strategies, ensuring that your unique abilities not only resonate but also evolve alongside your life's voyage.
Unravel the tapestry of self-awareness, personal growth, and the immense power within you. Ready to elevate your unique abilities and make an epic effect on your life and the world? This episode is your roadmap. Tune in and ignite the transformative journey.
The Psychology of Power & Influence
Welcome to Grit & Growth’s masterclass on power, featuring Dr. Deborah Gruenfeld, Stanford Graduate School of Business professor of organizational behavior. From the body language of power to the authority vs. authenticity debate, Gruenfeld provides insights on how and when to use your power to gain the trust and respect of others.
Professor Gruenfeld is a psychologist by training and she’s been researching and teaching about the psychology of power and powerlessness for decades. So, she has a deep understanding of why this invisible force can have such a profound social and business impact.
There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about power, starting with the fact that most people believe that only other people have power and that power corrupts. Gruenfeld says the research disproves this idea, explaining, “It’s having power while feeling powerless that leads people to behave badly.”
So, how do people in positions of power use it as a force for good? If you want to have a positive impact on others and on your organization, Gruenfeld suggests there’s no advantage career-wise to being a jerk. Instead, she recommends “behaving in a way that leads others to trust you more.”
Top Five Masterclass Takeaways
- Your body language can communicate power … or powerlessness. Gruenfeld advises entrepreneurs to imagine putting on a headdress or crown before you walk in a room full of strangers. The stillness and physical expansiveness you convey will provide nonverbal cues that you’re comfortable and in charge.
- Sometimes it’s better to lead with deference than dominance. While dominance tends to look more authoritative, deferential behaviors are more approachable, show respect for others, and help build relationships.
- Effective leaders need to balance authority and approachability. You need to be equally capable of behaving in a way that commands respect and shows respect to others because people will need different things from you in different situations.
- Leaders need to practice types of power that may not come naturally. More than likely, you’ll be more comfortable with either an authoritative or approachable style. Use this as an opportunity for growth so you can be the leader whom others need you to be.
- Often the best way to use your power is to empower others. While not intuitive for most leaders, showing vulnerability and asking for help can be highly motivating for teams.
Listen to Dr. Gruenfeld’s insights, advice, and strategies for how entrepreneurs can use power more effectively as you manage growing teams, pitch investors, and negotiate deals.
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33. Turning Failures Into Wins: My Journey To Living My Purpose
This week, I turn 3 years since that pivotal moment of my life when I attended a conference with famous motivational speakers that ignited my soul on fire because I realized I wanted to be just like them and have their kind of positive impact on that many people's lives. It's been three years since I took the very first step to figuring out how I was going to do that and set out on a journey to understanding my purpose and bringing it to reality.
You're going to hear my fails (and there were many!), my wins (including wins that society doesn't value and therefore makes us believe aren't wins), and everything in-between! This is the story of my before and my in-between, because this story is STILL being written. I always joke to Armando, my husband, that my book's literally being written right now. I don't know the after of this story. I still face a LOT of uncertainty and have to practice believing in myself, trusting in the universe and surrendering the parts that are not in my control ALL the time.
My hope is that after you listen to this episode you will fear failure a tad less than you do now, because you'll see how so many blessings DO always follow a door closed. I also hope that you see that there is sooo much to be celebrated and to feel happy and grateful for in the in-between part of your journey.
If you are loving listening to this podcast, please leave a review below on Apple Podcasts letting me know how it has helped you. Your feedback inspires me to keep creating!
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57. 5 Bad Habits That Could Block Your Career Growth and Ruin Your Credibility
In this episode, Host Paola Soares dives into the topic of bad habits. This is something that affects us all, whether the bad habits we struggle with are major ones or ones that are less obvious to other people we all struggle with somehow… But have you ever thought about how bad habits could be impacting your career?
In today’s episode we are discussing 5 bad habits that block your career growth and ruin your credibility…This and more…
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127. Navigating Change: Relocating To The Sunshine State
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