TALENT IS OVERRATED, authored by Geoff Colvin, connects “deliberate practice” with true achievement. From concert pianist to golf pro, Colvin cites extensive research that puts real accomplishment – like a lower handicap -- within range of nearly all players in reasonable physical condition.
“Deliberate practice” is the 2009 not-so-hidden secret of success from GolfTEC. It is defined as “the self-aware, goal-oriented, and exhaustive process made by the truly successful in order to improve their skill set and performance.” Five characteristics define this kind of practice.
1) It is an activity focused on improving performance, not simply maintaining past success
2) It is an activity which is repetitive in nature to create nearly automatic use in real-world situations
3) It is an activity which can be analyzed and one where performance data (such as ball flight and body movement) is readily-available
4) It is a mentally demanding activity that requires focus as well as effort
5) It is a serious activity, even though there’s pleasure in performing better
What do hitting golf balls in a practice bay with video replay – and working on specific skills with a Certified Personal Coach – get you in 2009?
a. Deeper perception: An increased ability to quickly understand what’s really happening and why > the ability to correct
b. Deeper knowledge: Not intelligence but actual data and experiences > the ability to learn
c. Deeper memory: Expansion of short-term memory beyond seven items (average adult capacity > the ability to apply
By mid-season, some players will be on their way to 2009 success, and can book a New Year’s Eve celebration with confidence. Others will feel trapped in their bodies and swings, believing their goals are impossible.
Be encouraged and join the first group. They’ve discovered, in Colvin’s words,”what REALLY separates world-class performers from everybody else.”
