One of the "Deep Secrets" of Greatness and Genius

Confession time – this has been a hard article for me to write. It frankly is one I've hesitated on… Why?

The research behind this "puts the boots" to all the statements you might have heard about someone's "potential" or they're "naturally gifted" or she's "a born singer…" or whatever. Research by Anders Ericsson, professor of psychology at Florida State University in Tallahassee gets to the core of genius, achievement and excellence in a way that is irrefutable, and ultimately… inspiring. And a bit hard to take in my case!

See I was one of those people with a lot of "potential". This will sound seriously conceited ( don't judge too quick – a major beat down is coming ) but, I've always been smart – smarter than most people I meet.

In the "Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance" editor Ericcson reveals how certain abilities that people call "natural", or born genius, actually come from a mix of genetics, a supportive environment with good instruction, and a ton of work. Excellence does not solely come from being born with savant like talent or smarts!

Potential … shmotential !

As Thomas Edison claimed, genius is 99% perspiration. "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice."

There's the root of my (ego) problem. I suddenly have no big "knockout punch" (fantasy) to fall back on… You know, that somehow someday, all my unrealized potential will just rear up and save the day and I'll — out of the blue — produce something of real genius.

Ahhhh, nope. "Just don't work like that cupcake."

The research shows that a high IQ is not a reliable predictor of later achievement. If I'm not willing to work and practice diligently, the research shows that I'll probably not amount to anything special. Crap!

But, therein also lies the inspiration. The one common factor amongst almost all persons who have achieved "greatness" no matter what the area, is dedicated and focused work. Whether researchers studied athletes, scientists, entertainers, or politicians, etc., the best predictor of future success was diligent, smart practice.

In other words, as a writer, the more days you string together of technique practice and diligently cranking out those 1000 words (or whatever), the more inevitable it is that you will begin to open up to your own genius. Then success will follow right behind!

So are you willing to bust through constraints and bang out some writing every day? Or even more important, once you're on a roll – to keep it going until the flow slows? Courage my friends, courage! Strap on your sword and gird your loins.

Being able to stand writing crap until it gets better, is your (my) secret weapon. My apologies for this… I'm practicing ok?

My special inspiration is my 17 year old daughter, Raven.

After seeing me struggle to write and flail about for so many years, she (silly fool – but I warned her) has steadfastly committed herself to writing and being a writer for the last 4 years. She now has a worldwide following.

Chick lit.

But you know what? She bangs out 5000 words every day. The girl is a machine! And she is getting good. Really good.

So, I have anecdotal evidence that practice, support and huge talent are the ingredients for excellence. And maybe there's some hope fer me, yet!