This is a tough question to answer in a comment. Personally, I do believe that anyone can be successful in just about any field. The “secret” is passion, work ethic and appropriate coaching. That said, certain pursuits would prove much more challenging than others and there has to be a level of common sense about it. I would have about zero percent chance of becoming a professional tennis player based on my current age and the age that I would finish the 10,000 hours. Football would be a real challenge due to my height, as would basketball. In academics, I don’t see as many limitations, but am sure some fields would come tougher than other. Nothing is impossible, but some things might require more work.

What does your coach say about getting your handicap down? Practice alone is not enough, especially in golf. You really need someone to help guide you along the way and a good coach is the right person for the job. Also, just because you are out there practicing doesn’t necessarily mean you are really practicing and working on what you need to be working on. Sometimes we “practice” what we already know, which doesn’t really push us or allow for growth, in turn not showing improvement.

Again, good but tough question. Perhaps this is a full blog entry one day when there is a bit more time.

Thank you!
Dan

When I read about people like Paul, who can go from a 22 to a 9 in a year with intense practice, I’m very encouraged. However, then reality sets in and I compare that to my experience of lowering my handicap from 28 to 25 over this past summer while practicing nearly every day for an hour or two. It feels like I’m just not getting results and that 20,000 hours won’t even be enough for me!

Do you think anyone can achieve elite status with the right amount of practice? or do you have to have that natural talent to go with it.

-Mark

Hey Paul,
That’s a lot of practice. Have you got a goal you are aiming for?

Martin