Lessons from Geoff Colvin: the Power of Deliberate Practice
Geoff Colvin’s primary message is that what contributes an expert-level performance most is “deliberate practice” instead of talent or natural abilities, which is opposite to the common view. According to Colvin, apart from some certain expertise which requires physical attributes, everyone is able to achieve high-level performance through “deliberate practice”.
In the opening chapter, Colvin used examples of Tiger Woods and Mozart to illustrate his viewpoint that people exaggerated the role of natural ability in their success. They both got mentoring from their fathers in their early education and practiced a lot. More essentially, their practice were well guided and had clear purpose and frequently feedback.
In the following chapters, Colvin explained what “deliberate practice” is. It could be characterized as:
1. To practice with strong motivation
2. Super-focus on the practicing process
3. A good mentor is needed especially in the beginning.
4. Frequently feedback.
5. Awareness of weakness and constant rehearsal dealing with that.
Colvin delivers a detailed plan on how to implement the principles of deliberate practice into our lives and become masters. He provides a road map for people aiming to achieve expert-level performance in three different fields: music, chess, and sports. The music model as an analytical approach requires proper segmentation and constant practice in order to develop the best presentation. For chess model, it is effective to do a research on past games and alternative moves. It can be applied on business model also. The sports model involves conditioning through studying methods dealing with what might happen. In a word, right practice, not practice getting nowhere to go, makes perfect.
Colvin’s book is
