Getting Down to Work
Think about all the ways we have of describing successful people. We say that they excel in their chosen field, they are all stars, and they are accomplished. Writing in the best-selling book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell says that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of directed practice to become accomplished at something. I believe that directed practice requires that you put your skills to work every day in what you do as opposed to just simulating it. Talent isn’t enough to get you there. You need to get success skills into muscle memory and hone the craft, which only comes through continuous trying and getting feedback. Learning comes from seeking advice or best techniques, grasping the basics, then applying them daily and seeing the results of your work. This continuous practice and feedback builds authentic skills and mastery. Getting feedback from coaches or mentors and from watching masters at the craft along the way are additional assets that help you master skills and techniques for success.