10,000 Hour Rule

[fullautovalmet76]

" I think he undervalues the role of motivation and dedication to achieving success. "

Since I have not read the book, cannot comment on the authors ideas, but I agree with Rob that motivation and dedication is what will get you to commit 10,000 hrs to an endeavor or skill set. I would only add, make it a good 10,000 hrs, or 1 hr, with focus, purpose and a goal.

M25,
Gladwell's conclusions fly in the face of the conventional wisdom we have established about what it takes to be a success in whatever subject. And this conclusion is at odds with parts of what Rob believes and is why Rob thinks he is "twisting" things around. To disprove Gladwell, one has to take his research and one's own to come up with an alternative explanation; you can't just say "I don't believe it, so it can't be true"....

That said, when you read the book you will be exposed to the environment of those who are at the top of their field.
It helps explain why they are what they are today. In fact, the conclusion you come to is that you need talent, dedication (10K hours), and the opportunities to succeed. And those opportunities, alot of times, are dictated by the environment you come from.

Just read the book and see for yourself. Whether you agree with Rob's view or you develop one of your own, you will come away better for it in my view.

[tombogan03884]

 I just got done reading "Rickenbacker, His own story" By Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker.
This guy quit school at 12 to feed his family, he started as a floor sweeper in a machine shop and ended up as Chairman of the ONLY unsubsidized profitable Airline in America. His auto racing was geared toward testing and improving automobiles, in the early 20's he formed his own successful car company, building his own design.
At Eastern his method of getting the best people was to look for "drive" he wanted to hire floor sweepers who wanted to work their way up to President of the Company. I guess the best way to describe it would be "all or nothing" if something was worth their time, it had to be worth ALL their time, and effort, otherwise don't even bother with a half hearted effort.