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Elite = 10,000 hours of practice.

by Vincelog
8 replies
I had just finished the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. In the book, there is a principle which state that world champions(Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods) get to where they are by putting in at least 10,000 hours of practice to reach where they are today.

I had calculated if I were to spend 4 hours a day honing my craft, I will need 2500 days which is around 6.85 years to reach the 10,000 hour mark. This 10,000 hour principle will serve as an inspiration to me to remind myself to keep working hard on my craft to excel in it.

I hope this principle can help you too.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
#elite #hours #practice
  • Profile picture of the author tricia2253
    How does this method take into account that these two super athletes had natural abilities when they started out. I don't think that if I put in 10,000 hours learning golf that I could be the next Tiger Woods.

    I think everyone has at least one god given talent and if you can figure out what yours is, then it would be worth putting all those hours into honing that skill.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vincelog
      I personally did not try out the 10,000 hours principle but I believe that if we are able to hit the 10,000 hours in honing our craft, we may not be as good as Tiger Wood, but we will definitely excel at that sport.

      Cheers
      Vincent
      Personal Development Blogger
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    • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
      Originally Posted by tricia2253 View Post

      How does this method take into account that these two super athletes had natural abilities when they started out. I don't think that if I put in 10,000 hours learning golf that I could be the next Tiger Woods.

      I think everyone has at least one god given talent and if you can figure out what yours is, then it would be worth putting all those hours into honing that skill.
      I remember reading an article a couple of years ago about the same principle that the OP is referring to (I think they called it the "10-year-rule" or something to that effect.), and they mentioned that Tiger Woods, and lots of other people who are exceptional at their craft started at a really young age and got lots of consistent practice since then.

      In other words, it's not so much that people like that are so much more naturally gifted, but the fact that they have an interest and some aptitude from a young age, plus they also practice religiously. Another point they made is that even among people who seem to have a natural aptitude, the truly exceptional people still tend to spend much more time practicing than others. Innate aptitude may be a starting point, but true success still comes down to the amount of time practicing and working to improve.

      Update: Here's the article I was referring to:

      Secrets of greatness: Practice and hard work bring success - October 30, 2006
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  • Profile picture of the author Phalanx
    I heard this principle too.

    It's damn true. If you want to be the world's best at something, you have to start early...

    But don't think that just putting in the time will get you results. Using the right practice methods can have a ridiculous impact (I've experienced it myself with learning to play the piano. After I picked up a book on using the right practice methods, I started learning several DOZEN times faster! No kidding!)

    The good news is, if you want to learn marketing, warrior forum is one of the best places to hang out at . Time put in here is generally time well spent (unless you use it to put off taking action).
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  • Profile picture of the author studygm
    I do agree that the 10,000 hours rule is quite reasonable if you totally put your mind into it. However, you still need to maintain what you obtained even after the 10,000 hours have passed. Maintaining it would need a few more hours each day. Tiger woods and Michael Jordan continued to practice even after they are in peak condition.
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  • Profile picture of the author jayden.fellze
    10,000 hours of practice and a God-given talent would make you become like them. The skill will always be harnessed through thorough practice and the talent is really quite in-born and I believe it is God-given gift.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vincelog
      Originally Posted by Mari_Quint View Post

      I've read the book, too.

      Practice is just one part of the equation. Legacy, culture and environment also play an important role in being successful.

      If you're born with a high level IQ but lack the opportunities to nurture that innate talent, being a super genius wouldn't get you anywhere. Remember the guy whose IQ is higher than Einstein?
      Hi Mari_Quint,

      That guy is Chris Lagan if I'm not wrong.

      Originally Posted by Hesaidblissfully View Post

      I remember reading an article a couple of years ago about the same principle that the OP is referring to (I think they called it the "10-year-rule" or something to that effect.), and they mentioned that Tiger Woods, and lots of other people who are exceptional at their craft started at a really young age and got lots of consistent practice since then.

      In other words, it's not so much that people like that are so much more naturally gifted, but the fact that they have an interest and some aptitude from a young age, plus they also practice religiously. Another point they made is that even among people who seem to have a natural aptitude, the truly exceptional people still tend to spend much more time practicing than others. Innate aptitude may be a starting point, but true success still comes down to the amount of time practicing and working to improve.

      Update: Here's the article I was referring to:

      Secrets of greatness: Practice and hard work bring success - October 30, 2006
      Hi HeSaidBlissfully,

      Thanks for sharing this article.

      Originally Posted by studygm View Post

      I do agree that the 10,000 hours rule is quite reasonable if you totally put your mind into it. However, you still need to maintain what you obtained even after the 10,000 hours have passed. Maintaining it would need a few more hours each day. Tiger woods and Michael Jordan continued to practice even after they are in peak condition.
      Hi studygm,

      That is why people with talent and hardwork are the world champions. They refine their craft even when they are the best.

      Cheers
      Vincent
      Personal Development Blogger
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      • Profile picture of the author daver99
        Tiger woods was swinging a golf club when he was three... his dad was right there holding his arms and shaped his future.

        Bill Gates was one of the first people to use a mini-computer terminal. Apparently he had access to a computer terminal in his high school at a time when most colleges did not even have computers.

        In both these cases they had an early start combined with the right environment to develope their skills and put in the 10,000 hours.
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