What distinguishes people who reach their maximum from those who cannot reach their full potential? Someone will say that some are endowed with talent from birth, while others do not shine. But this is not so: a lot of research shows that in our hands much more than it seems. Do not believe? Read these books.
Jerk. From excellent to brilliant
Goodreads score - 4.06
What determines our achievements - talent or diligence? Using captivating life stories and personal experiences, Matthew Sayed debunkes the myths about the nature of genius and shows readers the path to excellence. On the example of many people who have become the best in their field, the author proves that thousands of hours of focused practice lie at the heart of every success.
Maximum. How to achieve personal excellence with the help of modern scientific discoveries
Goodreads Score - 4.28
What is the focused practice Sayed talks about in the last book? I advise you to read about it from the source. The Swedish psychologist Anders Ericsson is sure that there is no such skill that could not be developed. Our brain and body have enormous potential, and focused practice is able to unleash this potential.
The genius of business. How to make money on your abilities
Goodreads score - 4.05
The Russian name of the book does not quite reflect the essence. The original name is The Creative Curve. In it, author Allen Gannet shows that creativity is also the result of purposeful practice, and not a mysterious insight. The Creator spends thousands of hours to gain “watchfulness,” studying and imitating other people's creativity. Only then does his brain begin to generate new combinations, creating something new. When this new one is at the right point between the familiar and the unfamiliar (what Gannet calls the “creativity curve”), a true masterpiece can be born.
The principle of the "black box". How to reduce the risk of failures and fatal errors
Goodreads Rating - 4.33
Another brilliant book by Matthew Syed, in which he explores the errors and cognitive distortions of the brain that impede our development. The biggest trap on the road to success is the “excellent student complex”. It is the fear of making mistakes (and, as a result, recognizing them). Those who truly aspire to be the best need to seek criticism, not praise. Only this will provide useful feedback and growth opportunities. When a crash occurs in aviation, flights are suspended to study black box data, draw conclusions, and avoid future errors. Why not apply this principle in other areas of life?
The art of learning. How to become the best in any business
Goodreads score - 4.09
Joshua Weitzkin is a true symbol of purposeful practice. He was a multiple chess champion, but then went into martial arts. There he tried to apply the teaching principles learned in childhood, to rethink and transfer his chess experience - and this made him the world champion! But Joshua does not consider himself the best in chess or tai chi. Instead, he says: "I am the best at learning." And he is sure that anyone who follows these principles can really achieve a lot.
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