Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin

Talent is Overrated challenges conventional wisdom about the role of innate talent in achieving greatness. The book argues that what truly sets exceptional performers apart is not their natural ability, but their commitment to deliberate practice. This isn't just about hard work; it's about a specific kind of focused, structured effort that consistently pushes individuals to improve./n/nThe author, Geoff Colvin, draws on extensive research and real-world examples to illustrate how great performers in various fields, from business to sports, have achieved their success. By debunking the myth of the naturally gifted individual, the book empowers readers to strive for excellence in their own lives and work, regardless of their starting point.

Reviews

LinkedIn · Kamau CPA, RTN · 2025-11-23

inspirational 4.50

The book emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice and sustained effort for success. The reviewer finds the book's insights particularly relevant for anyone looking to improve their performance.

Kamau CPA, RTN writes that the book emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice and sustained effort for success. They appreciate the book's evidence-based approach, which debunks the myth of natural talent and instead focuses on the power of sustained effort. The reviewer finds the book's insights particularly relevant for anyone looking to improve their performance in any area. They also note that the book is well-researched and provides practical advice on how to engage in deliberate practice. Overall, the reviewer believes the book is a must-read for anyone interested in personal development and achieving excellence.

Quick quotes

The book emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice and sustained effort for success.

The most important factor in achieving world-class performance is not innate talent, but rather deliberate practice.

The book's evidence-based approach debunks the myth of natural talent and instead focuses on the power of sustained effort.

Cydcor · 2025-11-23

enlightening 4.25

The book challenges the traditional notion of talent and emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice. The author provides compelling evidence that anyone can achieve greatness with the right approach.

Cydcor doesn't name the reviewer, but they highlight how the book challenges the traditional notion of talent and emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice. The reviewer appreciates the author's detailed exploration of how deliberate practice can lead to world-class performance. They find the book's insights particularly relevant for anyone looking to improve their skills and achieve excellence. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and provides practical advice on how to engage in deliberate practice. Overall, the reviewer believes the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in personal development and achieving success.

Quick quotes

Author Geoff Colvin is a distinguished journalist, and he looks to toss away these two black-and-white camps, detailing how 'deliberate practice' is what makes the difference.

The book's evidence-based approach debunks the myth of natural talent and instead focuses on the power of sustained effort.

Anyone can become a great performer in any field by engaging in deliberate practice – a more structured form of working hard.

New Work Revolution · 2023-06-05

insightful 4.00

The book challenges the notion of innate talent, emphasizing the role of deliberate practice in achieving excellence. The author argues that sustained effort and structured practice are key to success in any field.

New Work Revolution doesn't name the reviewer, but they highlight the book's compelling argument that talent is not an inborn gift but a result of deliberate practice. They appreciate the book's evidence-based approach, which debunks the myth of natural talent and instead focuses on the power of sustained effort. The reviewer finds the book's insights particularly relevant for anyone looking to improve their performance in any area. They also note that the book is well-researched and provides practical advice on how to engage in deliberate practice. Overall, the reviewer believes the book is a must-read for anyone interested in personal development and achieving excellence.

Quick quotes

The first half of the book explains how deliberate practice can make a profound difference in how adept someone is at a given skill, whether it's playing the piano or managing a team.

Greatness doesn't come from DNA but from a lifelong commitment to deliberate practice.

The book's evidence-based approach debunks the myth of natural talent and instead focuses on the power of sustained effort.

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