Practise can achieve what talent can’t!!!
We all marvel at the art of Messi, finesse of Xabi and speed of Ronaldo but have you ever wondered apart from just being footballers what categorize them into the same league. Logical answers only?? Not stupid or obvious ones. ;)
These players have practised their art for approx. or more than 10,000 hours; yes we all get pretty excited at their immaculate, passing, shooting & precise kicks but if you flip back & skim through their life book, you will find these kids haven’t earned what they have by sheer talent. In fact talent is quite overrated (borrowed from the book obviously). These guyz have put in enormous amount of their energy & time into the game. And yes, don’t they deserve to be where they are?
Why I decided to compile this piece is precisely to remind myself and a bit to you knowledgeable folks, that talent is highly overrated. Till reading this book ‘Bounce’ by Mathew Sayed I was under the impression that it is all in stars and talent is a serious thing to have if you are one of those luckier chaps.
But as I read page by page, I have come to believe it is only purposeful practise that separates amateurs from the champions. In the book, Mathew gives evidence from various studies completed by renowned psychologists and scientists that practise is the only means towards the top and shortcuts don’t really get you there.
He says, ‘greatness lies in trying to attain something which is beyond you and not quite making it’. He himself provides his own example that how he became the best player in table tennis in the UK, all credit to his early grooming, coaching, facilities provided by his parents and his diligent hours of hard work.
The author cities numerous examples of sports personalities- there mechanism of operation, their journey from nothing to everything and finally attainment of the ultimate sporting greatness. The account is riveting to read. You will feel compelled to believe that hard work is the only key towards excellence. For those number junkies- 10,000 hours of ‘purposeful practise’, operating out of your comfort zone and just keep improving is the way towards expertise in any field.
The author blatantly ridicules the innate notion about talent and natural gifts. He even cities the example of ‘Child Prodigies’ like Mozart and their upbringing in attaining the status. The author hasn’t paid me to write this but my curiosity has. You suggestions and ideas are as always more important and anything in this context is welcome.
Looking forward to hear from you.