I’m shocked these words are spilling out of me onto this digital canvas I call my blog, but it needs to be said.
Things are just getting too easy.
I think it was John Carlton who taught me the 10,000 hour rule. It goes something like this… to become the best in the world at anything you need to invest 10,000 hours. That’s the benchmark. It’s definitely not a hard and fast rule, but it sure makes sense when you think about it…
Here’s how he explained it.
“How is Tiger Woods so great at golf?” 10,000 hours of practice
“Why is Eric Clapton so awesome on the guitar?” 10,000 hours of practice
But that rule seems to be bending these days… It’s what I’m calling the “Guitar Hero Effect”.
Wannabe rockers can spend a few hours in front of the boob tube “four starring” Metallica and Radiohead riffs and walk away thinking their the king of rock.
Not true.
Sure, you could spend your 10,000 hours wailing out some glam rock in front of your TV, but in my opinion it’s a waste.
Why not pick up guitar with REAL STRINGS instead of buttons and learn the craft?
Sadly, people applaud the rockband kings and karaoke queens. I just shake my head.
Not that I should talk… I can’t play guitar OR sing.
Instead I spent my 10,000 hours learning how to create great products that ignite my customers’ passion to fuel their own growth and independence. The reward for my effort is customers hurl big piles of money at me.
I taught myself web design. I used that skill to make money for myself, before I ever even thought about turning that skill into a marketable product. I was just happy – and a little bit blown away – that it worked… and it was EASY!
My customers are happy people. I try to foster creativity and positivity in everything I do.
But…
I’m running into more and more folks who haven’t put in their 10,000 hours yet their touting themselves as “gurus” (which translates to teacher, remember) because they’ve had a taste of success, however minor.
The bullshit just keeps piling higher.
It’s the Guitar Hero effect.
My advice? Find someone who has been there, done that.
And learn from them.
You’ll be able to shortcut your 10,000 hours drastically…
Leave a comment. Let me know what you think.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally agree. I was able to massively shortcut by surrounding myself with people who are way better at this stuff than I am,
Well, if Guitar Hero brings more kids into learning real music I’m all for it.
Besides, one can take it to extremes:
These kids think they’re the shizzle just cause they play GTA4. They should learn how to jack real autos.
Private Couch Potato, just cause you aced Call of Duty doesn’t make you cool. Pick up a real rifle and join a real war.
Stop playing NBA2K10 and join the real NBA, playa.