Friday, October 16, 2009

The Plan? What Plan?

Deep practice is not simply about struggling; it's about seeking out a particular struggle, which involves a cycle of distinct actions.
1) Pick a target
2) Reach for it
3) Evaluate the gap between the target and the reach
4) Return to step one

From The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle (pg. 92)



Usually we don't start out going in a direction completely opposite of where we want to go, but coordinates that are incorrect a few degrees can end up miles off target if we just keep slogging away.

Have a plan. Follow the plan. Tighten the plan.

5 comments:

Bryce said...

I've been interested in this book since I first heard of it.

Any thoughts on whether it's worth the buy, or if the same info can be gleaned from other sources? (blogs, articles, etc).

Thanks Boris.

-Bryce

Boris said...

It's a good book. I enjoyed it - a lot of interesting thoughts. Kind of the same vein as "Outliers". I checked it out at the local library.

The major thesis is that myelin and focused practice is the key to mastery (and talent). I'm sure you could find the info elsewhere, but it's a quick and easy read.

Unknown said...

This idea was expressed by Aristotle,

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

and by Epictitus,

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."

Boris said...

Good quotes Charlie.

Robertin75 said...

If anyone knows how to get a hold from Boris please send me an email to robertinmeza@gmail.com

I have been trying to get in touch with him since last year with no luck.

Thanks