04/ 02/ 2007
Research shows that discipline, not talent, determines success
Do you dream of turning your product into a household brand like Martha Stewart, growing your start-up into a multimillion-dollar corporation like Bill Gates or building a business that dominates your industry like Donald Trump? Here's the good news: You don't have to be a gifted marketer, innovator or dealmaker to achieve any of the above--all you need is lots of hard work.
Research now shows that talent--a natural aptitude for a specific skill--is immaterial to success. In a recent study, British-based researchers concluded that excellence isn't derived from innate abilities. The finding reflects results of an earlier study led by Florida State University professor K. Anders Ericsson, whose investigation of sports, music and chess prodigies showed a strong tie between hours of practice, years of experience and level of achievement. So, the old saying "practice makes perfect" may be true.
Maybe you're not the best at negotiating, budgeting, managing or making decisions, but the more you approach these tasks with a determination to improve, the better you'll get. And with the right mix of discipline, repetition, feedback and encouragement, you just might become great.
