Willpower, Potential’s Long Path, & Smart Practice
Wednesday Wisdoms for May 14, 2025
Mind Candy is a newsletter on practical philosophy and human flourishment—aka how to live “the good life.” Each month we tackle a new theme.
This month we’re exploring the theme of Potential.
Welcome to Wednesday Wisdom, our 3x3 Newsletter where I distill worldly advice for better living with 3 quotes, 3 observations, and 3 questions.
Willpower
🤨 Quote
“It's often said that where there's a will, there's a way. What we overlook is that when people can't see a path, they stop dreaming of the destination. To ignite their will, we need to show them the way. That's what scaffolding can do.”
Adam Grant
Source: Hidden Potential
Observation 🧐
Pure willpower can only take us so far. In order to move to the next level in our growth, we inevitably will need others to help.
They see what we don’t. A trusted advisor can see gaps we’re not seeing—how the runner’s foot is hitting the pavement, how an agent is answering questions, how we’re making hard decisions.
They have their own experience. A good manager has the life experience necessary to provide insight we don’t necessarily have. They can talk about thinking ahead to what is around the bend, or how to align our actions with our goals, or how to prepare and plan for adversity.
They have their own network. A good mentor not only brings their own knowledge and experience but also a network of people they can turn to in order to better assist us. They may have good partners, coworkers, and their own mentors who they can connect us with to better align us and push us to the next level.
Willpower is ultimately an expendable resource. But a deep network of individuals willing to help us is boundless in energy and potential.
🤔 Question
If you are not building your network, you should be asking yourself why.
Potential’s Long Path
🤨 Quote
“But isn't potential someone's capacity to develop their skills with effort and coaching over time? And that's just the point. How can we know where effort, coaching, and time will take someone?”
Carol Dweck
Source: Mindset
Observation 🧐
Our potential is deep.
It requires we dig.
But it’s not impossible to find and achieve, it just seems that way because potential is a long road to exposure.
Like digging for oil, one needs to continually work to uncover areas of potential. These can be things we’re naturally good at, or that we feel an intrinsic pull towards, or that we really enjoy.
Potential takes time and requires people outside of ourselves to help guide us. They can provide hints and suggestions, pose questions for reflection, help pave the way through their own experiences.
The road to achieving one’s potential is a long and arduous one, but it is what human flourishment is all about. It’s about working with others to uncover what we’re really made of.
And by doing so, we bring forth the best of ourselves to handle each situation we encounter, and thus find new ways to flourish.
🤔 Question
Think of someone who has helped guide you through a difficult time. What lessons did you learn and how can you find a way to be that person for someone else?
Beneath the paywall this week we explore the wisdom of Daniel Goleman. Click below to support and get access.