In this podcast, Chris Williamson chats with Matthew Syed about the psychology behind high performance and resilience. Syed, a former champion table tennis player and journalist, emphasizes the value of a growth mindset in overcoming setbacks. He highlights the need to balance honing existing skills with exploring new opportunities and warns against the pitfalls of seeking instant gratification at the expense of long-term goals. Syed links these ideas to broader societal shifts, noting that since the 1970s, a decline in our willingness to delay gratification has contributed to various crises, including economic instability and mental health challenges. The discussion also delves into the roles of talent, deliberate practice, and luck in achieving success, while acknowledging the limitations and anxieties we face as humans in the shadow of mortality.
