Debunking the "1,000 hours of practice" myth

Posted by Ken
Nov 13, 2011 at 12:41 AM

First, a big thank you to JB for not taking offense at my earlier post. The topic he raises is quite interesting, and the discussion that has followed has made for great thought. As I am stretched for time, I will sum up my feelings by saying that while good software can enhance a person’s focus, I really feel that the discipline and desire need to be there to really obtain maximum benefit. And, to just touch on the issue raised by Dr. Andrus, what I would really like is not better software, but an editor. Sometimes I find that there is no substitute for talking an idea out with another person. Technology can be useful towards this solution by allowing a person to work closely with somebody who is not physically present (e.g. Skype or Google+), but for me, there is often no substitute for discussion.

I will say one thing, as time has gone on my ability to concentrate has become harder and harder. I do not know if it is related to age, or to having 24/7 access to the world through the internet, or some combination of these and other factors, but my concentration habits have gone from those of a long distance runner to that of a sprinter. Not that it was ever that easy for me, but it’s just that much harder now, and my desire to focus is that much greater.

—Ken