Adam Grant

When people don't stand up to bad leadership, it's rarely because they don't care. It's often because they feel powerless. Learned helplessness is the pattern of giving up when we learn that events in our lives are beyond our control. The answer is not to accept defeat. It's to https://t.co/aevljuGCH9

Taking phones off the internet boosts mental health. People were randomly assigned to block mobile internet for 2 weeks. They socialized, exercised, and read more—and became happier, less depressed & anxious, and more focused. Being unglued from devices is good for well-being. https://t.co/WhTDq5odi5

Sharing your work is not selfish. It's an act of self-expression and social contribution. Promoting your ideas is different from promoting yourself. Self-promotion shouts, “Look at me!” Idea-promotion says, “I have something to offer." Don’t deprive the world of your ingenuity. https://t.co/YG7ZqFaMCW

Many people stagnate trying to change what they can't instead of growing by changing what they can. We don't control how others treat us—we control how we treat them. We don't decide what happens to us—we decide how we respond. Our reputation is not up to us. Our character is. https://t.co/Mu3kVaqBWC

Silence is not always a sign of disengagement. It's sometimes a symbol of deep reflection. The quieter people in the room aren't refusing to contribute. They're choosing to process before reacting. It's usually better to think without speaking than to speak without thinking.

Learning to debate isn't only for critical thinking. It also teaches us to advocate respectfully for our ideas. People randomly assigned to debate training are more likely to rise into leadership roles—even 18 months later. A key to influence is being direct without disrespect. https://t.co/EJJPIVOoD1

A sign of maturity is caring more about being respected than being liked. Liking is shallow affection. It comes from being pleasant—you bend over backwards to accommodate others. Respect is deep regard. It's earned by being principled—you consistently stand up for your values.

The best way to improve your writing is not always to write more. It's often to read more. Instead of just enjoying the content, study the form. Pay attention to how they set up ideas, structure paragraphs, signpost transitions, and shape sentences. Role models elevate art.

Procrastination is not a time management problem. It’s an emotion management problem. You’re not avoiding work. You’re avoiding tasks that feel boring, frustrating, or stressful. Postponing prolongs pain. The dread of starting is quickly outweighed by the joy of progressing. https://t.co/d4OWorbeJR

Meaning may be healthier than happiness. 23-year study: A sense of purpose is a more robust predictor of longevity than life satisfaction. Having worthwhile goals is a source of vitality. It’s nice to feel happy today. It’s important to have something to strive for tomorrow. https://t.co/FrVW4SkeMV

Happiness depends on the freedom to exit toxic relationships and enter healthy ones. 97k people, 34 countries: Well-being is higher when changing groups, friends, and partners is easy and acceptable. A vital form of liberty is the ability to choose the people in our lives. https://t.co/0yoeacaUXw

Generosity is an anti-depressant. Depressed people were randomly assigned to give less than a penny a day to charity. Over the next 2 months, moods improved and depression declined. The more they gave, the better they felt. Even small acts of kindness elevate mental health. https://t.co/T612T03f9W

Intrinsic motivation isn't taught. It's unleashed. Kids learn to value wealth, status & fame by observing what their parents prize. But they come to value growth, connection & contribution when they feel supported. The heart of building character is building caring https://t.co/TFlpI5kjlN

Arrogance: “I'm an expert. I know all the answers.” Humility: “I'm no expert. I don’t know the answer.” Curiosity: "I don't know the answer yet, but I'll find it and get back to you." Proactivity: “I didn't know the answer, but I figured you'd want to know, so I found it."

People who can’t handle criticism are unfit to lead. Weak leaders silence their critics to shield their egos. They fear dissent as a threat to their power. Strong leaders silence their egos to learn from their critics. They welcome dissent as an opportunity for growth.

Psychological safety is not about withholding criticism. It’s about enabling people to speak up without fear. The goal is not to lower our standards. It’s to replace knee-jerk reactions with open-minded consideration. All ideas are welcome. Not all views are equally valid. https://t.co/8It3VLKpbo

If leaders are serious about ending war, women need a seat at the table. International data, 1989-2011: When women are involved in agreements, peace is 35% more likely to last 15+ years. Gender balance is especially important when the stakes are high and tempers run hot. https://t.co/glyapNkNf7