Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin

In his book, Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, author Geoff Colvin proposes a new view of success and excellence. By way of challenging the belief that talent is the biggest determining factor in greatness, Colvin offers new insight into what really drives world-class performers—and it isn’t innate-DNA-bestowed genius. Instead, in the words of former world champion chess player Gary Kasparov, success lies in “deliberate practice” and sustained dedication.

Colvin begins by debunking the idea that talent alone is the biggest variable in greatness, citing the works of Anders Ericsson and his team of researchers. Their studies demonstrate that the vast majority of so-called “superstars” in any given field achieved the highest levels of performance after devoting more than 10,000 hours of “deliberate practice” over the course of their lives. “Deliberate practice” is defined in the book as any activity or training which pushes a person beyond their current limits, forcing them to continue learning and striving for improvement.

While these kinds of sustained dedication still seem elusive to many, Colvin provides several ideas and strategies for developing the mental fortitude, required to become a world-class performer. He breaks this down into specific focuses, including: the idea of mindful practice, the ability to break goals down into component parts, and utilizing the right kinds of feedback and rewards. He explains the importance of setting goals that are challenging but achievable, in order to make better use of the time spent practicing. He also talks about how to assess individual performance, and invest appropriately in work-related resources.

For those who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of becoming a world-class performer in any area, Colvin seeks to instill a reassuring sense of confidence about the possibility of achieving excellence over time. He writes that “the great players master their field over time, just like all of us—only they do it faster and more thoroughly.” As additional reassurance, he notes that many great performers had to start from the beginning, and often faced many setbacks along the way.

Colvin’s conclusion is that talent alone does not explain the difference between average and world-class performers. He states that “genius is overrated”, and that elusive qualities such as “instinct, feel, and intuitive insight” are a result of the intense devotion to deliberate practice rather than something innate or pre-programmed. By focusing on this kind of daily diligence and honing in on mastering the skill at hand, Colvin believes that “talent” and greatness will be within reach.

As such, Talent is Overrated is a helpful and inspiring guide for anyone who wants to achieve excellence in any area of life. Colvin’s research-based approach and practical strategies for achieving greatness are backed up with examples from real-life current and former world-class performers. He emphasizes that it is not enough to just have a good idea or be talented—it is the sustained dedication and deliberate practice that will provide the difference between ordinary and extraordinary results.