The Talent Code: Greatness isn't born. It's grown

This is a great book - it really challenged the way I think. I also think it is an imperfect book. There were a couple of leaps that I just did not get, or maybe agreed with. However in the underlying hypothesis of the biological basis of skill in the process of myelination was both fascinating and very challenging. Accepting the hypothesis creates a new basis of learning and the more important process of 'unlearning' in adults. This book will change the way I approach my work. I also think the the review suggesting that this is a book about positive mindset totally misses the point. Positive mindset, as Coyle says himself, is irrelevant. It is how the mind is 'ignited' or focused and how this is then implemented in the right kind of deep practice, not just hard work.

This is a book about how to become really great at skills such as sports or music performance. As a pro musician and music coach, I was obviously highly interested. Coyle breaks down the three principles into the coding/practice part, "ignition"(broadly, inspiration) and coaching. In essence there is no surprise here for anyone who spends their professional life in music practice and teaching. True, it is interesting to read how the neuroscientific mechanism of myelin works (a sort of fatty reinforcement mechanism to nerve circuits needed for skills). But in practical terms, knowing this doesn't to my understanding change much about how skills are acquired. There are some very interesting detailed observations about individual master coaches and what makes them good. Definitely an interesting and thought provoking book. Just-to be fair like most books of its type, like Malcolm Gladwell's-a bit of a padding out exercise. There are three key concepts. Good. Tell me succinctly how they work. Done. Next book. I guess it would be more of a booklet or pamphlet but insofar as this is in the "how to" category -tell me his to and then let me go do it! In any case, worth the money and worth reading, if perhaps selectively.

I really enjoyed the notions of deep practice, ignition and master coaching. I read this book in the context of recovering from chronic pain. the master skill for this is “deep relaxation” which will hopefully lead to desensitise one’s nervous system. Knowing that focusing on chunks of skills and loads of repetition gives a clear vision of what’s required. The only thing I didn’t ‘vibe’ in the book is the emphasis on growing myelin. Somehow I don’t believe it’s as simple a neurological mechanism as that. Highly recommended nevertheless.

I thought I knew a lot about learning, as a teacher and lecturer, psychologist and mother but this book was a revelation. In a readable and page turning work, Daniel Coyle has made abundantly clear how success happens. Now I feel so confident about my way forward. He fleshes out the truth of the sayings "Practice makes perfect" and "Use it or lose it." I am now aware that you become what you "DO" - starting with baby, wobbly steps. I love this book and am busy recommending it to my friends, patients, the world really. This book is a gift. Go for it!

I'm into the first part of the book. Very interesting, totally agree with the theories. It is a heavy read full of psychology..so am reading a little at a time

I always got frustrated when people say all our hard work and struggle is because of this magical thing called ‘talent’. Daniel Coyle says that talent is not born its grown, and goes into fabulous scientific discoveries about connections in your brain, and how so called talented footballers or musicians get so good. Excellent t book

There's some good and interesting information in here. It's a pretty good read. Basically, the author talks about how talent develops and how to encourage it. There are some interesting stories. I've read a few books like this, so the case studies were familiar. This was probably 'first in niche', and the author went to a lot of trouble interviewing key people. Sadly, some of the talent didn't match up to expectations (American football player JaMarcus Russell being the most salient.) Teachers and parents would find this book invaluable.

Every so often I find a book that I just find myself telling other people about. I've done it so much with this book that I'm consciously trying not to now, since I think I might sound like a stuck record. I think if I'd never heard of the book before I could have assumed it would be just someone's 'hobby horse' - but recommended by a friend who is very rational and not given to flights of fancy or blindly assimilating popular opinion, piqued my interest and I'm glad it did. I think this is a book that could change your life, if you are prepared to take it on board - and work hard. No quick fixes here - but I think that is what makes it so convincing. That, and the experiences of my own life. I think you should read it.

I read this book a while ago and it definitely affected my thinking. The book promises and overdelivers. Strong recommendation.

Una lectura muy amena e instructiva. Con numerosos ejemplos representativos.

Although ideas like in Malcolm Gladwells' works (that teach us that 10,000 hours, identity and mentorship are more important than talent) are not totally new, this book is very inspiring through the real life examples and different angles it provides.

Here are some key highlights that make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and nurturing talent: 🧠 Science of talent: The book delves into the fascinating science behind talent and skill development, shedding light on how greatness can be nurtured and cultivated in individuals. 💡 Myelin and skill-building: "The Talent Code" introduces the concept of myelin, a neural insulator, and explains its crucial role in accelerating skill acquisition and mastery. 🌟 Talent hotbeds: The book provides intriguing case studies of various "talent hotbeds" across the world, revealing the secrets behind their extraordinary success in nurturing talent. 📚 Deep practice: "The Talent Code" offers valuable insights into the concept of deep practice and its role in fostering exceptional skills and abilities in individuals. 👥 Ignition and motivation: The book explores the power of ignition in sparking motivation and drive in individuals, emphasizing the importance of passion and determination in achieving greatness. 🚀 Master coaching: "The Talent Code" highlights the critical role of master coaches in nurturing talent and shares effective coaching techniques to inspire and guide individuals towards their full potential. 🌱 Growth mindset: The book reinforces the importance of a growth mindset, encouraging readers to view talent as something that can be developed and cultivated over time.

Great insight backed up with science and real life examples