Research now shows that the lack of natural talent is irrelevant to great success. The secret? Painful and demanding practice and hard work

“The evidence we have surveyed … does not support the [notion that] excelling is a consequence of possessing innate gifts.” …

The first major conclusion is that nobody is great without work…

The best people in any field are those who devote the most hours to what the researchers call “deliberate practice.” …

Consistency is crucial. As Ericsson notes, “Elite performers in many diverse domains have been found to practice, on the average, roughly the same amount every day, including weekends.” …

Researchers also note, for example, child prodigies who could speak, read or play music at an unusually early age. But on investigation those cases generally include highly involved parents…

“Some people are much more motivated than others, and that’s the existential question I cannot answer - why.”

The critical reality is that we are not hostage to some naturally granted level of talent. We can make ourselves what we will. Strangely, that idea is not popular.

Source: Fortune
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