Kane G
New Member
- Apr 18, 2017
- 2
- 0
I am always impressed by a concert pianist, or a soccer midfielder, or a truly skillful visual artist. Their abilities seem other worldly. To mention a few, i think Picasso was a master, and Beethoven a genius, without forgetting about Thomas Edison the polymath.
The big question is, what makes these people so skillful? How did they start out like you and I and then become something so extraordinary?
The answer is what i try to discuss in this few lines.
***
The truth is part of us wants to believe that success and accomplishment is something innate and magical, so we can recuse ourself from hard work. It this part that account luck or blessings (for believers) as a factor for success.
The other part of us wants to believe that success is something earned through blood, sweat, and tears — that we too could achieve amazing performance, if only we could devote ourselves to something.
"In reality, it’s a bit of both."
If you read the book Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success, in which Matthew Syed critically analyses the factors underpinning the success of some of the most extraordinary athletes and artists in the world, you will affirm to this.
If you study the life and work trajectory of experts, two patterns seem to emerge.
One: they have specific backgrounds or opportunities, as mentioned above.
Two: they put an incredible amount of time and effort into deliberate, effortful practice, for at least 10,000 hours before they completely achieve mastery.
And talking about practice, the best type of practice must include these few things:
+It helps us to acquire the new skills that speed up/automate processes (see how Brazil develops its soccer players, for example.)
+It pushes us to the edge of our competence and forces us to focus. This is where the learning happens.
+It is done consistently, allowing cumulative effect of growth. Because honestly it takes time to be a pro!
+It must include a notable and ferocious attention to details, so as to fine tune self progress, thus feedback is critical.
+It begins with the end in mind: have a goal powered by strong mental affirmation/attitude for each practice session. Merely reading a book, doing tests or something isn't the same thing as practicing. Before you start, think: What do I want to accomplish today?
+It include allotted breaks and variation something common in habits of elite performers." Do what many pros do: split your practice time into smaller, super-concentrated chunks, This will help reduce boredom and increase enjoyment during practice.
***
Wether in sports, music, or medicine or business it all sum up to the question do you want better? If yes like me then the question becomes are you practicing enough? If yes Does your practice encompass the elements of good practice mentioned above? If you answered no to any of these then do something!
***
Footnote
Explore curated collections of resources related to building the skills, mindsets, and necessary supports to help young people confront adversity, cope with challenges, and demonstrate perseverance to attain goals in a friend's blog
The big question is, what makes these people so skillful? How did they start out like you and I and then become something so extraordinary?
The answer is what i try to discuss in this few lines.
***
The truth is part of us wants to believe that success and accomplishment is something innate and magical, so we can recuse ourself from hard work. It this part that account luck or blessings (for believers) as a factor for success.
The other part of us wants to believe that success is something earned through blood, sweat, and tears — that we too could achieve amazing performance, if only we could devote ourselves to something.
"In reality, it’s a bit of both."
If you read the book Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success, in which Matthew Syed critically analyses the factors underpinning the success of some of the most extraordinary athletes and artists in the world, you will affirm to this.
If you study the life and work trajectory of experts, two patterns seem to emerge.
One: they have specific backgrounds or opportunities, as mentioned above.
Two: they put an incredible amount of time and effort into deliberate, effortful practice, for at least 10,000 hours before they completely achieve mastery.
And talking about practice, the best type of practice must include these few things:
+It helps us to acquire the new skills that speed up/automate processes (see how Brazil develops its soccer players, for example.)
+It pushes us to the edge of our competence and forces us to focus. This is where the learning happens.
+It is done consistently, allowing cumulative effect of growth. Because honestly it takes time to be a pro!
+It must include a notable and ferocious attention to details, so as to fine tune self progress, thus feedback is critical.
+It begins with the end in mind: have a goal powered by strong mental affirmation/attitude for each practice session. Merely reading a book, doing tests or something isn't the same thing as practicing. Before you start, think: What do I want to accomplish today?
+It include allotted breaks and variation something common in habits of elite performers." Do what many pros do: split your practice time into smaller, super-concentrated chunks, This will help reduce boredom and increase enjoyment during practice.
***
Wether in sports, music, or medicine or business it all sum up to the question do you want better? If yes like me then the question becomes are you practicing enough? If yes Does your practice encompass the elements of good practice mentioned above? If you answered no to any of these then do something!
***
Footnote
Explore curated collections of resources related to building the skills, mindsets, and necessary supports to help young people confront adversity, cope with challenges, and demonstrate perseverance to attain goals in a friend's blog
