Formula For Success

Nature versus nurture has been a long heated debate in the scientific community. Are people simply born with certain qualities? Or can the way people are raised effect their development later in life? New research is discovering that it is almost always a combination of nature and nurture. So what determines if an individual is going to be successful? Are there specific qualities such as motivation, leadership, and determination, that gives people the edge in adulthood?

Current studies reveal that hard work and persistence can overcome lack of inherent skill. Tremendous effort over a period of time can lead to mastery. In fact, elite performers have often been practicing their particular skill for a long period of time. Take the most recent example of swimmer, Diana Nyad, who became the first person to complete a swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage. She has been a swimmer all her life, attempted the swim 4 times previously, and was able to successfully achieve her goal at age 65.

In other words, patience, strategic rest, hard work and dedication can help overcome any perceived genetic deficits. For more information, please feel free to read A New Theory of Elite Performance. Have a great weekend!