Monday, December 12, 2016

Review: Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book Mr. Colvin doesn't bring us any new scientific knowledge on high achievement, but he does a superb job of synthesizing for the reader all of the components of "getting it right" and "spot on" performances. He tells us stuff we already know, but he delivers us to this self-knowledge in a way that clarifies, emboldens and invigorates.

It is all about the power of deliberate practice. He shows us how any individual who is willing to focus intensely on his/her weak areas - whether trying to write a book, run a 5 minute mile, or reach mastery a musical instrument - has the power to be truly outstanding.

My strongest take-away from this book was this:
Don't keep practicing that which you can already do well. Force your way into your weakest area of performance, and with knuckle-down minute by minute practice in this space, every day, you can become the best.

This book was a true call to action.

View all my reviews

Friday, December 9, 2016

Review: Rules of Civility

Rules of Civility Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Towles has an uncanny talent for creating charming characters. There is an everlasting spirit of optimism in his style. As with "A Gentleman in Moscow", I found myself grinning the entire time I was reading.
Although, in this Towles book, I often had a feeling that the author was meandering, trying to decide what this story was all about, there was never a time when I considered putting the book down. It was just too darn pleasant.
While our central character dismisses the rules of civility toward the end of the book (no, this is not a spoiler), it is abundantly clear from Mr. Towles' writing that he never will. Thank goodness!



View all my reviews