Genius, Genes, and Gusto

Lately, research on the importance of “deliberate practice” —strategic training that focuses on improving one’s weak spots as well as building on one’s  strengths—has been getting a lot of play, giving the misguided impression that anyone could be a top musician or athlete if they put in the immense amount of time it takes to master a complex skill. While that may be technically true, it’s not always realistic. To engage in deliberate practice you need a huge helping of motivation. And where does such passion to improve come from? Often it’s in our genes.