The Secret Formula to Excellence and Expertise

"Researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours."

- Malcolm Gladwell

I was rereading the book Outliers recently and came across the quote above.  There really is no easy road to expertise and excellence.  Many people give up before they can realistically see improvement.   The other scenario is that people get good enough and settle.  Good is often the enemy of great in this scenario.  This is true with piano lessons, diets, and in the workplace.  People are often looking for the secret to greatness.  The secret all starts with your personal passion.  Once you understand that ingredient...the rest of the formula is as follows:

Your Passion + Deliberate Practice + A Strong Starting Five = Greatness

Understanding the formula is not difficult.  Putting the formula into practice is what ultimately separates good from great.

The Art of Deliberate Practice

In Why Talent Is Overrated, writer Geoff Colvin declares that the “conventional wisdom about ‘natural’ talent is a myth.”  If natural talent is a myth......What separates good leaders from truly great ones?  Deliberate practice is the key ingredient related to talent in all fields.  Deliberate practice is not just about working harder or the “practice makes perfect” model. 


Deliberate practice is designed with clear objectives and goals in mind.  When top musicians, athletes, etc. practice, they break down their skill into specifically defined elements. After breaking down the skill into parts, the individual relentlessly works on the element they need to improve most. During the entire practice session, they will only focus on that one aspect.  That is what separates good from great in all areas of life.  


The author of the book also outlines 8 key principles related to deliberate practice.  Apply each of these 8 principles to your work and greatness will certainly follow.

1. Deliberate practice is designed specifically to improve performance.
2. Deliberate practice can be repeated a lot.
3. Feedback on results is continuously available. 
4. It's highly demanding mentally. 
5. It's hard.
6. It occurs before the work in the form of planning
7. It occurs during the work in the form of action
8. It occurs after the work in the form of reflection

The bottom line is that we all have the same amount of time in our day.  It is how we spend our time that truly matters.  Often we will increase the time devoted to an initiative and expect different results.  It isn't necessarily the time that it is the issue.  It is the intensity in which we utilize the time given. 

Change doesn't occur overnight and it certainly will not be sustained without continued efforts.  Repetition alone won’t get you to the level of excellence you desire.  It can also true that you won’t reach greatness  without it. Keep in mind that practice will not make perfect.  Only "Perfect Practice" makes perfect!

Deliberate practice is the key to your improvement efforts. Make sure everything you do is on purpose.  You must be intentional in your thoughts, words, and actions.  

Be Deliberate, Be Intentional, Be Great

Do The Unthinkable

It always seems impossible until its done. 

Nelson Mandela 

How often have you encountered the million reasons why you shouldn't embark on an endeavor/adventure?  This happens to us all in both our personal and professional lives.  People line up to tell you the reasons why you shouldn't do something.  The next time this occurs take a look at the doubters to see how they are approaching their work and their life.  

• Are they attempting to do the impossible?
• Are they moving in the same direction as you?
• Are they happy just going day to day?  

Nothing great has ever occurred without risk.  Most people settle because it is easier and safer.  Greatness is always one step away even if we can't initially see it.  It often takes faith to make that first step.  The first step always leads to something greater in the long run.  

We spend far too much time worrying about what other people think and not exploring our passion and unleashing our potential.  The world is counting on people willing to take risks, explore new territory and do the impossible.

A new year is rapidly approaching for leaders everywhere.  It is time to rid yourself of the noise that doubters bring.  It is time to do the unthinkable.  It is time to show the true greatness that is within.  

What are you  waiting for?  The only thing you don't have is time?  Today is the day. How will you embark on this journey towards everything you ever wanted?  B