Hidden potential: the science of achieving greater things

Prologue: Growing roses from concrete

I. Skills of character: getting better at getting better

Creatures of discomfort: embracing the unbearable awkwardness of learning

Human sponges: building the capacity to absorb and adapt

The imperfectionists: finding the sweet spot between flawed and flawless

II. Structures for motivation: scaffolding to overcome obstacles

Transforming the daily grind: infusing passion into practice

Getting unstuck: the roundabout path to forward progress

Defying gravity: the art of flying by our bootstraps

III. Systems of opportunity: opening doors and windows

Every child gets ahead: designing schools to bring out the best in students

Mining for gold: unearthing collective intelligence in teams

Diamonds in the rough: discovering uncut gems in job interviews and college admissions

Epilogue: Going the distance.