The Road to Success

Rereading The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. This book is a game changer. On the second read I have found so many pearls of wisdom that I missed on the first read that my head is buzzing. I am so psyched to get to hear him speak in three weeks at USOTC. Bottom line is forget nature, people are not born great, they earn and learn it. True in sport, music, math, you name it. The road to success is down Myelin street. To develop more Myelin requires targeted mistake focused practice in order to be effective. Yes mistake focused, you learn from pushing the envelope, making mistakes and correcting them. According to Coyle “struggle is not an option: it’s a biological requirement.” You must have incredible passion and persistence and a clear vision of the goal, because Myelin street is a rough road with many obstacles. Passion and persistence will help you stay the course, because it takes time. No quick fixes or crash programs, long term commitment. Bottom line is that genetic endowment is a copout, a losers lament. Deep purposeful practice, a spark to ignite your passion in pursuit of a goal and good guidance in the form of coaching or mentoring and you have a chance. It certainly confirms what I have seen in my life and professional career.