1. Of all the profound mysteries about talent development, here’s one that might be the most mysterious: Why do underdogs succeed so often? Because they do. Look at the biggest success stories in business, academics, … keep reading
We are told, from the time we are old enough to understand, that we should never, ever quit. Quitting is seen as a dangerous and worrisome character flaw, a toxic trait to be avoided at … keep reading
Quick personal update: I’m working on a new book with a fairly audacious goal: to compile the world’s best talent-development advice into a short handbook for teachers, students, athletes, musicians, parents, coaches, and pretty much … keep reading
If you were to visit a dozen talent hotbeds tomorrow, you would be struck by how much time they spend staring. I’m not talking about merely looking. I’m talking about active staring — the kind … keep reading
We got a ping-pong table at Christmas, and within days my 15-year-old son and I were seriously, hopelessly addicted. At first, I beat him regularly — 21-15 would be a typical score. Occasionally, I even … keep reading
Here’s a little-appreciated fact about talent hotbeds: their facilities tend to be rundown. Rusty. Makeshift. Overcrowded. In a word, crummy. Exhibit A could be the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, which has produced Michael Phelps and … keep reading
Of all the strange and surprising patterns of talent distribution, few are stranger or more surprising than the phenomenon called the Michael Jackson Law. This is the rule that the most talented performer in a … keep reading
When was the last time you were completely, utterly alone? When you map the lives of talented people, some strange and surprising patterns emerge. One pattern I’ve noticed lately has to do with their general … keep reading
What’s life’s single most important question? There are many perfectly worthy ones — questions about family, relationships, work, love — but when it comes to charting our futures, one question rises above the rest. What’s … keep reading
At first glance, our culture seems good at celebrating great teachers. We talk endlessly about how important they are. We give out Teacher of the Year awards. We watch them onscreen — the Dead Poet … keep reading
