>><snip>
>
>

>Quote from The making of an expert:
>
>The key characteristics behind the development of "experts" (defined as outstanding leaders in their chosen 
>fields of endeavour") are;
>
>- deliberate practice
>- outstanding coaching, feedback and mentorship
>- A significant investment of effort over time (typically ten years or more)
>
>Deliberate practice includes, focused, concentrated training, techniques of visualisation and scenario planning. 
>It involves systematic efforts to practice and improve performance in any area of activity.
>
>The key point with training and practice is not the length of time spent practising: it is the amount of quality 
>focused practice and training undertaken on a regular basis. 
>

Yes, that sums it up neatly. I think the book's title is not quite right (as I have mentioned elsewhere) because talent obviously does matter but the argument the book makes is that talent can be achieved through this type of deliberate practice, mentorship and commitment starting at a young age. It largely dispels the idea that we are either born with "it" or not, which is what most people think when they see a Tiger Woods or a Kasparov or a Yo-Yo Ma.

(Aside to UT: Why would this thread be moved to "creative writing" forum? Weird.)