Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else
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Why are certain people so incredibly great at what they do? Most of us think we know the answer-but we're almost always wrong. That's important, because if we're wrong on this crucial question, then we have zero change of getting significantly better at anything we care about.Happily, the real source of great performance is no longer a mystery. Bringing together extensive scientific research, bestselling author Geoff Colvin shows where we go wrong and what actually makes world-class performers so remarkable. It isn't specific, innate talents, nor is it plain old hard work. It's very specific type of work that anyone can do-but most people don't.What's more, the principles of great performance apply to virtually any activity that matters to you. Today this book is being used widely around the world by businesspeople, investors, parents, students, athletes and musicians at every level, and by many others who want to get better at whatever they're passionate about.Readers everywhere have been inspired by this book's liberating message: You don't need a one-in-a-million natural gift. Better performance, and maybe even world-class performance, is closer than you think.
1 The Mystery 1Great performance is more valuable than ever-but where does it really come from?2 Talent Is Overrated 17Confronting the unexpected facts about innate abilities3 How Smart Do You Have to Be? 36The true role of intelligence and memory in high achievement4 A Better Idea 52An explanation of great performance that makes sense5 What Deliberate Practice Is and Isn't 65For starters, it isn't what most of us do when we're "practicing"6 How Deliberate Practice Works 84The specific ways it changes us, and how that makes all the difference7 Applying the Principles in Our Lives 105The opportunities are many-if we think about our work in a new way8 Applying the Principles in Our Organizations 126Few do it well, and most don't do it at all; the sooner you start, the better9 Performing Great at Innovation 145How the principles we've learned take us past the myths of creativity10 Great Performance in Youth and Age 167The extraordinary benefits of starting early and continuing on and on11 Where Does the Passion Come From? 187Understanding the deepest question about great performanceAfterword 207Acknowledgments 214Sources 216Index 227
