The Law of 10,000 Hours for Expertise

by Sam on March 10, 2007

The Law of 10,000 Hours for Expertise

We had a great entrepreneurship conference today at Hopkins, although competing with the 68 degree weather was tough.

I thought the web 2.0 panel was terrific and I really appreciate Stowe Boyd, Clarence Wooten and Brian Balfour taking part. � If anyone is interested, be sure to check out the conference website (created by my soon to launch company) and take part in conversations and networking.

I wanted to talk about a neat concept Stowe Boyd shared with me today. The law of 10,000 hours is a scientifically researched and documented benchmark for the minimum amount of time needed to establish expertise in any area. To put 10,000 hours into perspective is the equivalent of three hours per day, everyday for over nine years. This study came about by monitoring and ranking the expertise of musicians.

I remember when I was learning to play squash in high school. Since I had not played growing up, I felt I was significantly behind other players. Nevertheless I was motivated and really wanted to play in college. My strategy was to log as much court time as possible (in squash you can do significant training simply by drilling solo) thinking that I could make up for lost time. Little did I know I was acting on the 10,000 hour law.

I also remember a favorite expression of my father’s back when I played baseball. He used to tell me, ’If you’re not practicing, you can be sure someone, somewhere is.’Â�

So my countdown to blogging expertise: Maybe around age 45.

Tagged as: , , ,

  • http://www.unicef.org/voy/discussions/member.php?u=44134 Sam

    I totally agree with you.

    LOL..we also have the same name.. :)

  • http://www.leveragingideas.com Sam Huleatt

    approve

    On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 6:36 AM, Disqus

  • http://www.mutantpop.net tim from Radio Clash

    Umm I thought Malcolm Gladwell came up with that concept – in the book Outliers?

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/nov/15/mal…

  • http://www.mutantpop.net tim from Radio Clash

    Ahh sorry just seen the link to the Ericsson study – 1994?

    Certainly it's Malcolm Gladwell's book I think applying it to IT such as Bill Joy, Bill Gates etc.

  • http://www.leveragingideas.com Sam Huleatt

    No – Malcolm Gladwell did not invent this concept at all…it's been around and known about for quite some time (see my references to the studies above)

  • roock

    San Francisco DUI Lawyer, Criminal Defense Attorney David Wise is a
    San Francisco Drunk Driving Lawyer, Criminal Defense Attorney, Marijuana Lawyer, Computer and Domestic
    Violence Attorney for San Mateo, Oakland, Hayward, Alameda, Marin and San Francisco.

  • williyamb

    Ecommerce Web Design My strategy was to log as much court time as possible (in squash you can do significant training simply by drilling solo) thinking that I could make up for lost time. Little did I know I was acting on the 10,000 hour law.I also remember a favorite expression of my father’s back when I played baseball. He used to tell me, ’If you’re not practicing, you can be sure someone, somewhere is.’

  • williyamb

    South Carolina DUI Lawyer To put 10,000 hours into perspective is the equivalent of three hours per day, e

  • williyamb

    Ecommerce Web Design My strategy was to log as much court time as possible (in squash you can do significant training simply by drilling solo) thinking that I could make up for lost time. Little did I know I was acting on the 10,000 hour law.I also remember a favorite expression of my father’s back when I played baseball. He used to tell me, ’If you’re not practicing, you can be sure someone, somewhere is.’

  • williyamb

    South Carolina DUI Lawyer To put 10,000 hours into perspective is the equivalent of three hours per day, e

  • williyamb

    Ecommerce Web Design My strategy was to log as much court time as possible (in squash you can do significant training simply by drilling solo) thinking that I could make up for lost time. Little did I know I was acting on the 10,000 hour law.I also remember a favorite expression of my father’s back when I played baseball. He used to tell me, ’If you’re not practicing, you can be sure someone, somewhere is.’

  • MaiaMaya44

    yep, i think it's been that way since i can remember.. i've done it also and it's pretty much acquaintances to get to the level you're aiming for and just go with it! it's all fun, but hard work is needed! goodluck!

  • royalsneakers

    Rumors have nike air max 1 been circulating for a while now regarding a 2010 release of the nike air max 2010 Air Jordan X (10) “Chicago,” but we have not seen any sort of confirmation in the form of catalog images or words from Jordan Brand representatives. nike air max 95 But today, we are extremely proud to present a nike air max 90 SneakerFiles exclusive confirmation that the Air Jordan nike air max nl X (10) will drop this month as a quickstrike release. Not just any Air Jordan 10, but rather the Chicago colorway with 45—the number Michael Jordan wore when he came back from retirement—on the ankle. This colorway of the AJ 10 is one of the most popular styles ever created, and will surely result in lines outside stores for days and may even cause riots. The Air Jordan X (10) “Chicago 45″ will release at only 150 sneaker stores across the United States with each retailer only receiving 23 pairs. Be sure to check out the additional photos and information after the jump!