I just finished Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. While the book has loads of interesting information on what makes success and what doesn’t, one fact stuck with me: 10,000 hours.
It’s been scientifically and anecdotally documented that the point of mastery for most given skills and techniques comes at the 10,000 hour mark. Be it cooking or music or computer programming or calculus--the mastery mark seems to universally rest at around 10,000 hours. Talent may be a launching pad, but it is still no short cut to excellence. Gladwell presents the theory that opportunity and cultural environment fuel success just as much as--in fact more so--than intellect or talent. The person closest to their 10,000 hours will be the person “in the right place at the right time” to achieve greatness.
As a person who views the world with the eyes of faith, I found this fascinating...and challenging. Not because I believe in “luck,” but because I believe it’s God’s providence that gives us opportunity and environment and talent. Which also means that it’s my job to put in those 10,000 hours to be ready to use the gifts He’s given me when my time comes. In writing, in life, in whatever I pursue.
It’s why the hero in my story MISSION OF HOPE is a favorite of mine. Quinn Freeman's life--his “10,000 hours”--led up to God’s unique invitation for him to make a difference.Where are you on this road? Can the concept of “10,000 hours to mastery” fuel a goal for this new year? Where is God calling you to be ready and working?
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