Becoming An Expert
I know where not far into 2009 but already I have a contender for book of the year.
It is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - you no doubt know he wrote Tipping Point and Blink. Both of which I liked but this is a real step forward. Maybe, he too, is learning through his previous experiences.
The premise is that in order for someone to become world class in their chosen field there are too main factors:
- the timing of when & where they were born
- the time dedicated to mastering their ability
These two things, he argues, are a lot more import than the myth of natural talent or ability.
He uses a number of examples such as Bill Gates, Tiger Woods ad The Beatles and says that his research shows there is a “10,000 hour rule”. It takes this much dedication, learning and commitment to achieve world class status in your chosen field.
Ultimately there is a motivational message in here. Most people don’t have the hunger or desire to go long enough or hard enough to reach the pinnacle. Do you?
Tagged as book, expert, motivate + Categorized as general
Ande I have just read this book & can thank you for pointing me in its direction. As you say this is the theory that being successful is about your dedication & desire to follow a dream through to the end being much more important than ‘natural talent’. I have been guilty of stopping things when the going got too tough & will not make that mistake in the future.