Being exceptional at something is often because to one’s genes. Talent is passed down from parents, grandparents  and even aunties or uncles it seems, whether it is musical or artistic skill, ability with numbers or being great at magic tricks.

So say that no doubt there are significant genetic factors involved, but they say there are almost certainly environmental factors in the mix too. Maybe the two work together, one helping the other, so that those great genes give rise to remarkable talent only if the skills are suitably nurtured.

With all the studies that have been done, we now know that talent is learned and earned through extended and intense practice of a skill. No pain, no gain, as our parents have told us forever, so genes may have little to do with it, although they could have a psychological advantage.

The picture attached to this post was sent it by Paddy Hartnett, but how many kids have a ball like this one!

10,000 Hours

This is a golden rule made popular by the writer Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers. This “10,000 hours of practice” rule is based on research by psychologist Anders Ericsson. The rule emplies, a mere 10,000 hours of dedicated practice in your particular sport or field is sufficient to bring out the best in you.

That is roughly 2.76 hours per day over 10 years..