Godin, Gladwell & The Number

At first, I was going to dis Seth's post on Malcolm Gladwell's book "Outliers" with a strawman argument: "Miley Cyrus doesn't have a White Album...& probably won't." I even imagined adding that I suspect -- 10 years from now -- Miley will have joined the ranks of Debbie Gibson and Cindy Lauper.

However, I've reconsidered my position after a careful re-reading of Seth's post.

Seth -- you make a great point. Success depends on pushing through a dip. And pushing through a dip is hard work: more than 1K, 5K, & sometimes 10K hours. It's a lot easier to settle than it is to push.

What is evident by both Gladwell's treatise and your insights is this: It can't be done alone.

Hockey players in Canada have dedicated parents. Jewish lawyers and tailors had community and family supports. Bill Gates may never have attained his status had it not been for the mother's fundraising efforts that brought in the necessary $3,000.

Motivation is important and 10,000 hours is important. Skill is important and timing is important. I think what community and family and friends bring to the discussion is this: Purpose.

We are better people because of those who both support us and depend upon us. I am a better man because I am a husband, father, son, friend, and citizen. The work I'm doing to find the topside of the dip I'm in is meaningful because I am not doing it for myself.

We could all settle for the trough of mediocrity if it wasn't for those who are most important to us. Love may actually make a bigger difference in a person's life -- both loving and being loved -- than either 10,000 hours or dip-mastery.

I appreciate having the privilege to comment. Thank you.

Comments

[Brandon]

I've read Gladwell's book. I'm not so sure the counter-arguments here are all that compelling. The blog that Mr. McGowan is referring to suggests that there are several people that "haven't put in 10,000 hours" to become the superstars they are. However, each member of The Doors (one example pointed to by the original blogger) most likely had the experience necessary to take advantage of their all meeting in 1965. Rick & The Ravens, for example, was formed in 1961 giving Ray Manzarek plenty of time to develop his skill before his meeting with Jim Morrison. John Densmore started with the piano when he was 8 and was hooked. Thanks to a dentist, he picked up the drums and started marching in the high school band and eventually started hanging out around jazz clubs and no doubt practicing what he heard. I suspect this gave him his 10,000 hours drumming away. He ended up joining Robby Krieger and The Psychedelic Rangers. After that both Krieger an Densmore ended up meeting Manzarek and Morrison to eventually create The Doors in 1965. Jim Morrison had been writing songs and poetry well before 1965, so I suspect that each of them had 10,000 hours relevant experience in before The Doors actually started and certainly before they made it to Elektra records. It was fortuitous that they came together when they did as they were all well prepared to change the face of Rock-n-Roll. Much as Bill Gates or Bill Joy changed the face of computing. So I suspect that 10,000 hours is a pretty close number. I believe The Doors do pretty much fit the "outliers" mold. I'd suspect the other examples the original blogger used fit pretty well also when you examine the backgrounds. Working 8 hour days only 5 days a week makes that 10,000 hours about 5 years. I suspect it gets much shorter if you are more dedicated (i.e. practicing every waking moment). However, in order to put that 10,000 hours in, I'd agree someone has to have the drive, will, and skill to get started.

I do agree though that it would be pretty hard for a tone-deaf person to pick up a guitar and go to work to become the next Robby Krieger. And I doubt Bill Gates could have become a programmer of any kind without a pretty good ability to think logically in the first place.

[Vicki]

The more I read about this guy the more I know I have to read the books - sounds like a great basis for a round-the-dinner-table argument. I've just blogged 'in the dark' about a forthcoming speech by Gladwell and would appreciate the input of people who know what they're talking about!

[Patrick McGowan]

AussieWebmaster -- Thanks for your thoughts and feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. And I, too, like both authors. Life is simply more complicated, complex, and beautiful. Again, thank you.