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 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.

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