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A review by bootman
Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Robert Pool, Anders Ericsson
5.0
If you've heard of the "10,000-hour rule", then you've heard of the work of Anders Ericsson. I first learned about his work from Malcom Gladwell's book Outliers, and his research has been referenced in many other books that I've read since then. As some of you know, I'm really interested in luck vs. skill and the idea of meritocracy, so I wanted to read this book from the top researcher in the area of expertise. This book is definitely worth the read, and like Philip Tetlock, Ericsson clarifies what people often misrepresent about his research. For example, 10,000 hours might be much less for some people.
Basically, the book cites decades of research when it comes to deliberate practice, but the implications for this are massive. In one of the final chapters, the authors discuss how we often fall victim to the self-fulfilling prophecy idea. When we think that people are "naturals" or "a prodigy", we give up on ourselves way too soon. Through their years of research, the authors conclude there is no such thing as a natural or a prodigy; it's all a result of deliberate practice.
After I finished this book, I texted my son and said, "Remind me to tell you the trick to becoming awesome at anything." With what you learn from this book, you'll see what your real potential is. I've personally benefited from the deliberate practice described in this book, but I didn't know what it was, and now it makes sense. Based on what we know about neuroplasticity and the research from this book, I think it's important for people to realize that they can not only improve specific skills but also their mental health if they're willing to put in the work.
Basically, the book cites decades of research when it comes to deliberate practice, but the implications for this are massive. In one of the final chapters, the authors discuss how we often fall victim to the self-fulfilling prophecy idea. When we think that people are "naturals" or "a prodigy", we give up on ourselves way too soon. Through their years of research, the authors conclude there is no such thing as a natural or a prodigy; it's all a result of deliberate practice.
After I finished this book, I texted my son and said, "Remind me to tell you the trick to becoming awesome at anything." With what you learn from this book, you'll see what your real potential is. I've personally benefited from the deliberate practice described in this book, but I didn't know what it was, and now it makes sense. Based on what we know about neuroplasticity and the research from this book, I think it's important for people to realize that they can not only improve specific skills but also their mental health if they're willing to put in the work.