Bounce: The of Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice

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It is also worth noting that the development of motor expertise (skilled movement) is inseparable from the development of perceptual expertise (chunking patterns)”. When I first read the title ‘Bounce’ by Matthew Syed, I was more intrigued with the name of the author than on what the book was about. It focuses on the topic of sports without delving deep into the fascinating topic of deliberate practice and its applications in wider areas.

A great book – should be compulsory reading all parents and teachers. It has changed the way I think about encouraging my children and work teammates – praising their efforts and hard work rather than their innate "skill". As an advisor to owner- managed businesses, I see the 10,000 hour/10 year experience rule being lived out in many ways. For example most professionals spend their 20s and early 30s mastering the technical aspects of their profession, and the next decade mastering management and business skills so that by the mid to late 40s they are at the height of their powers. This book could be called The T-Myth (with apologies to Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth)- the T standing for talent of course. It explains in scientific terms of some of the principles set out by Gerber in his book and it has helped me to understand why some of my most successful clients have done so well, often after years of struggling and learning from their mistakes (i.e. "purposeful practice" in Syed's words).Featuring 17 tables in the maing space, and a private function room complete with three tables and its own dedicated bar.

Overall, a highly enjoyable book and compulsory reading for anyone of any age group. And coming from a person who has achieved success – I say it is a very credible source of information and inspiration.I really enjoyed Syed's description of the difference between a scientist and an athlete. A scientist always is in doubt with a sense of inner skepticism. However, a good athlete should not be in doubt; to an athlete, doubt is poison. Seen in this context, Mozart’s achievements seem suddenly rather different. He no longer looks like a musician zapped with special powers that enabled him to circumvent practice; rather, he looks like somebody who embodies the rigors of practice. He set out on the road to excellence very early in life, but now we can see why.”