Talent doesn't matter, it's all hard work!

Ok, well,  not exactly. But, what this piece by Dubner and Levitt (of Freakonomics fame) does say is that many skills that are believed to be genetic talents are really the result of hard work and deliberate practice.

For example, I've always believed that my strong memory had less to do with genetics and more to do with the fact that I wanted to have a good memory and worked at it. I've noticed that people make statements like, "Oh, you're so lucky. My memory sucks." But the research that Dubner and Levitt point to indicates that those are just excuses. Instead, applying "deliberate practice" can get you to the level of proficiency that you'd like to achieve. It involves, "setting specific goals, obtaining immediate feedback and concentrating as much on technique as on outcome."

Yup, that sounds about right to me.. Set goals. Measure. Solicit feedback. Improve.

Now, go fix yourselves :)

Tags: Dubner, Levitt, Freakonomics, Deliberate Practice, self-improvement

Comments

[Mark Jacobs]

This is interesting, but it still leaves me wondering:

Is there something about these individuals, at a biological level, that enables them to be better at practicing? Have they inherited a genetic mixture that makes it easier for them to focus on goals, technique vs. outcome, etc.?

I’m sure the 900 page document will answer that question. So please read it and let me know what it says.

Another question I have is in regard to the article’s suggestion that “students should be taught to follow their interests earlier in their schooling.” Before agreeing with such a bold conclusion, I’d want to better understand what effects a student’s experiences with “non-interests” have on their ability to fulfill their potential within their “interests.”

More broadly, is it better to be one of the best soccer players or a great soccer player/pianist/software programmer? I don’t think we can definitely say that one is better than the other and redesign our education system accordingly.