The Talent Code: Chapter 1 Summary
Luke Shepherd

Chapter Summary
When speaking of 'talent' we must understand that the truly talented and successful do not depend on some innate or natural born ability to achieve proficiency in their field. Rather, talent is built and developed as we practice in the 'sweet spot', or as we deep practice. The best practice is when we are being challenged to do something just beyond our current ability and as we struggle and make mistakes. Mistakes are vital to the learning/deep practice process. By having error-focused practice we stretch our abilities and build skill exponentially faster and more effectively than simply running through the motions. Progress thus becomes a 'rhythmic pattern of botches', effort through struggle and making mistakes.

Key Concept
The most efficient practice is centered around struggle for something just beyond your reach and making mistakes in the process.

Key Terms
Deep Practice
Talent

Making Connections
I need to choose challenging repertiore that will require great effort on my part to learn. This will help me to focus my practice on specific skills and sections of music where I struggle, thus allowing me to gain access to that 'sweet spot' of deep practice. I shouldn't focus so much on how much I practice as how well I practice. I don't have the time to throw away on inefficient practice.