Hard Work Malcolm Gladwell Analysis

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The results of hard work are astronomical. Despite popular belief, efforts to succeed do not go unnoticed, such as the practice that goes into mastering a hobby, skill, or talent. All throughout one’s life, people are told to work hard and to try their best at everything they accomplish. This has an effect on what is widely considered to be success and how to achieve it. Although many credit others’ victories to innate talent, the true key to success does not lie in talent, but in hard work. Many people possess a “God given” gift, but it is not what makes them prosperous in life. Prosperity is considered a result of a great talent. In his article, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the fact that, “... he and his colleagues couldn't find any ‘naturals,’ …show more content…

5). Everyone has always heard about the naturals, the prodigies, who handle the incredibly difficult with ease. This study did not find any musicians that fit the criteria of that phenomenon. This single point proves that one’s natural abilities do not determine their success. Furthermore, the study did not find anyone who put in the same amount of time to their instrument as everyone else and sank to the bottom. (Gladwell par. 5). The tendency that some people have to give up after they fail something when they are not naturally good at it should stop because it does not have any actual basis. If one’s destiny has control over their life pursuits, then there would be people who were destined to not play the instrument used. This study demonstrates that humans can make their own choices; there is not a predetermined talent for everyone. Comfort can be found in this fact. People like to know that they are able to succeed …show more content…

Others believe that innate talent is what makes or breaks someone, and with good reason. A common example that is cited of innate talent is that of Donald Thomas. On his first attempt to conquer a high jump, Thomas cleared the bar, which was set at six feet and six inches. (Epstein par. 2). He then started a high jump career. Making it to the finals of the World Championship with little to no experience, Thomas cleared the bar set at seven feet and eight and a half inches on first attempt. His form was weak and he had put his hand behind him to brace his fall, since he was still not used to the sensation of falling. (Epstein par. 10). “We studied the biographies of 26 world-class sprinters, including 15 Olympic gold medalists and the eight fastest men in United States history, using the 100 meter distance as our gauge. The first major finding was that every expert sprinter, male or female, was recognized as exceptionally fast prior to beginning formal training. This contradicts the deliberate practice model, which assumes that initial performance and final performance in a domain are unrelated,” (Lombardo & Deaner par. 6). If someone has an incredible gift, but will never work towards it, there is no way that they will be successful. It would be a wasted

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