How Do You Get Better at Something?

An interesting read:  Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin

In 1992 a small group of researchers in England went looking for talent.  They couldn't find it.  They were looking for musical talent because they know it exists.  So they looked at 257 young musicians whom had been introduced to the study of music but who otherwise varied widely.  


What did they find?  Well, it seems that no matter what precocious musical ability the musicians had in their youth, there was one simple fact that predicted how accomplished the students were.  And that was how much they practiced. 

 I've seen talented runners, cyclists and swimmers pass me by regularly in races.  Some are just beginners, who seem to possess a limitless supply of natural ability.  But when you look closer at these athletes and their background, it's hard not to overlook the hours and hours of time they have dedicated to improving themselves in their "naturally athletic" sport.

My friends who can run do just that.  They run.  The swimmers swim and the cyclists dedicate their workouts to cycling.  They race, they enter events, and they improve on their own abilities.

What are you going to do with yourself?  It's time to choose.  And then, it's time to practice.