8 Quotes by Heidi Grant Halvorson

Difficult but possible is the key. That’s because more difficult goals cause you to, often unconsciously, increase your effort, focus, and commitment to the goal; persist longer; and make better use of the most effective strategies.

Human thought, like every other complex process, is subject to the speed-versus-accuracy trade-off. Go fast, and you make mistakes. Be thorough and diligent, and you take an eternity. We are, as Fiske later called us, motivated tacticians – strategically choosing ease and speed, or effort and accuracy, depending on our motivation. Most of the time, just the gist will do, so we choose speed.

Studies suggest that in order to figure out whether you are trustworthy, others analyze your words and deeds to find the answers to two questions: Do you have good intentions toward me – are you a friend or a foe? Do you have what it takes to act on those intentions?

Research shows that eye contact, nodding, and smiling are the three key physical indicators of warmth. Research also shows that people generally have no idea when they are not doing these things, so you might want to ask your friends and family if this is something you need to work on.9.

Incremental theorists tend not to make that mistake. When you believe that your ability – any ability – can be grown and developed over time, you focus not so much on proving you are smart, but on cultivating your smartness. Challenges aren’t threatening – they are opportunities to acquire new skills. Mistakes don’t mean you are stupid – they are full of information that can help you to learn.

When we pursue promotion goals, we are particularly sensitive to the potential for hits – we want to really go for it. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is a very promotion-focused philosophy.

People don’t just want to be seen positively by others – they want to be seen the way they see themselves. Psychologists call this the desire for self-verification...

Without the ability to consistently and accurately telegraph our thoughts and intentions to others, none of us can succeed – no individual, no team, and no organization. Communication is vital, but the great irony is that human beings have a surprisingly difficult time when it comes to knowing what exactly they are communicating.