I found THIS FASCINATING ARTICLE on the BBC. There is a theory that, with enough practice, anyone can become elite at anything.
The article features the story of Dan McLaughlin who tested the theory with golf.
He did not succeed as HIS WIKI PAGE explains. He got close and became a very, very decent golfer. But not an elite golfer.
So, it seems that, in the end, some innate ability is required to become an elite golfer. Which makes sense doesn’t it?
In our own fields we may not be elite, but we are surely expert, aren’t we? Or, well on the way at least.
My own estimate is that, since 1994, I have engaged in about 40,000 hours of financial planning conversations, meetings, and actions.
It could have been, should have been, more but for various distractions.
Many of those distractions felt worthy at the time, many also did not and were clearly a waste of time.
But one way or the other over nearly three decades I feel I have gone from decent to good to expert.
I could have got there quicker but it was not to be.
What I feel, aged fifty, is that every hour now matters more than ever, I appreciate them more and I want them to improve and strengthen my excellence.
It is for these reasons it feels eminently sensible to eschew as many unnecessary distractions as possible.
There is nothing easier in the world to get distracted, but resistance to such distractions pays dividends every time.
For me this means a laser focus on what I am good at, and enjoy, with the aim of continuing to improve something I am very proud of, that delivers lasting, impactful value for all our clients.