Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin #2322
Great performance comes down to how you train, not what you’re born with.
Today’s book: Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World‑Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin—a compelling challenge to the myth of innate talent, backed by research and case studies showing that deliberate practice, mindset, and motivation are what drive excellence.
Here’s your 1‑minute summary:
Talent isn’t destiny. Evidence shows that neither innate ability nor years of experience alone reliably predict outstanding performance.
Deliberate practice is the key. Focused, structured effort—designed to push your limits with feedback—is the hallmark of elite performance.
Small advantages create big legacies. Even a slight edge early on triggers more practice, better coaching, and a multiplier effect over time.
Motivation must be nurtured. Drive isn’t always innate—it can be grown through meaningful goals, identity, and consistency.
Practice beats passive experience. Simply having hours under your belt doesn’t guarantee growth. How you use those hours matters most.
You’re not held back by what you weren’t born with—you’re empowered by how you choose to develop. What focused, high‑impact practice will you commit to today to level up your game?
Again, Philosopher’s Notes 2.0 coming soon.
This +1 Inspired by:

Talent is Overrated
by Geoff Colvin