10,000 Hours
I was listening to the CBC radio recently. It’s a show called Ideas with Paul Kennedy. He was discussing the theory of Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers: The Story of Success. Where it states that you must put in 10,000 hours of practice to become a world-class expert in anything. This does not explain my pitiful guitar playing. I have put in at least 10,000 hours over the past 40 years and still can’t play like Eric Clapton. Oh well. I do feel I have obtained a certain level of photographic expertise. But my skill level changes at a much slower rate these days. I guess now it’s more a matter of practicing my craft and pushing myself to keep growing, however subtle the changes may be.
Some of Gladwell’s elements of success are:
We had Nigel Dickson in to talk to our students recently and he mentioned the 10,000 hour theory. He has obviously put in his time and is one of the most creative photographers I know. But he felt it was easier to become successful when he started. He did say though that he put in many 18 hour days and loved every minute of it. He said passion is one of the most important factors. He also said, "The cream rises to the top, and then it goes off a little". Clever man…
Theories are one thing but there is a magical side to success. It’s not just hard work, it’s so much more.
So you want to be a rock and roll star, a photographer, an artist? Put in your time and as my Dad always said, “You make your luck”.
Light Reflections - Click for larger
Some of Gladwell’s elements of success are:
- Working harder than everyone else.
- Noticing things that others don't.
- Understanding your place in society.
Capelin Weather - Click for larger
We had Nigel Dickson in to talk to our students recently and he mentioned the 10,000 hour theory. He has obviously put in his time and is one of the most creative photographers I know. But he felt it was easier to become successful when he started. He did say though that he put in many 18 hour days and loved every minute of it. He said passion is one of the most important factors. He also said, "The cream rises to the top, and then it goes off a little". Clever man…
Theories are one thing but there is a magical side to success. It’s not just hard work, it’s so much more.
Canoe on Georgian Bay - Click for larger
So you want to be a rock and roll star, a photographer, an artist? Put in your time and as my Dad always said, “You make your luck”.
Labels: 10000 hours, creative ideas, hard work, luck, Outliers, practice, success