“Six keys for achieving excellence. . .”

“For most of my adult life, I've accepted the incredibly durable myth that some people are born with special talents and gifts, and that the potential to truly excel in any given pursuit is largely determined by our genetic inheritance.

During the past year, I've read no fewer than five books — and a raft of scientific research — which powerfully challenge that assumption

We've found, in our work with executives at dozens of organizations, that it's possible to build any given skill or capacity in the same systematic way we do a muscle: push past your comfort zone, and then rest. . . By relying on highly specific practices, we've seen our clients dramatically improve skills ranging from empathy, to focus, to creativity, to summoning positive emotions, to deeply relaxing.

Here, then, are the six keys to achieving excellence:

• Pursue what you love.

• Do the hardest work first.

• Practice intensely.

• Seek expert feedback, in intermittent doses.

• Take regular renewal breaks.

• Ritualize practice.”