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  • Talent Is Overrated

  • What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else
  • Written by: Geoff Colvin
  • Narrated by: Geoff Colvin
  • Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)

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Talent Is Overrated

Written by: Geoff Colvin
Narrated by: Geoff Colvin
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Publisher's Summary

“Excellent.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Since its publication 10 years ago, businesspeople, investors, doctors, parents, students, athletes, and musicians at every level have adopted the maxims of Talent Is Overrated to get better at what they’re passionate about. Now this classic has been updated and revised with new research and takeaways to help anyone achieve even greater performance.

Why are certain people so incredibly great at what they do? Most of us think we know the answer - but we’re almost always wrong. That’s important, because if we’re wrong on this crucial question, then we have zero chance of getting significantly better at anything we care about.

Happily, the real source of great performance is no longer a mystery. Bringing together extensive scientific research, best-selling author Geoff Colvin shows where we go wrong and what actually makes world-class performers so remarkable. It isn’t specific, innate talent, nor is it plain old hard work. It’s a very specific type of work that anyone can do - but most people don’t.

What’s more, the principles of great performance apply to virtually any activity that matters to you. Readers and listeners worldwide have been inspired by this book’s liberating message: You don’t need a one-in-a-million natural gift. Better performance, and maybe even world-class performance, is closer than you think.

©2008 Geoff Colvin (P)2019 Penguin Audio

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The books theme: You've already failed

In what is one of the more depressing books I've read, Geoff Colvin makes the convincing argument that unless you're a child reading this, you will never be a top performer. There are even scant details on how to be a better performer, recommending dedicated practice for this but not offering much in the way of practical advice. While interesting to read as an answer to the nature vs nurture debate, unless you have a child you plan on turning into an obsessive compulsive top performer, there isn't much here for those of us hoping to be the best.

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say nothing book

boring book regret the buy not worth the time and the money, a scam in my opinion

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    5 out of 5 stars
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one of the best books to find your greatness!

I love this book for clarity, great examples and encouragement to believe in yourself! start as soon as you can. but even if you 75 - you can achieve marvelous results if you determine!

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Incredibly Inspiring

This book inspired me to pick up my guitar again. Too bad I grew up in an environment where it wasn't encouraged and paying for a teacher was seen as a scam. My mother told me that if I was any good, I wouldnt need a teacher. Only the kids that can't figure the instrument out on their own need a teacher. She also said if I were naturally gifted and meant to play it, I wouldnt need to practice so much. After being told this, I gave up my hours of intense daily practice that I did on my own just because I loved the instrument when I was 8 years old. Now Im 28 years old and have basically no hope of ever having a career as a musician. I wish this book existed back in 2000. I can only hope some teenager who has an activity they love finds this book and absorbs its wisdom.

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