Research shows it takes 10,000 hours of practice done over roughly 10 years to achieve the pinnacle of performance: craftsmanship. However, research also shows it can take just 20 hours to learn the basics. Josh Kaufman, author of The First 20 Hours, explains the 5 keys to doing so:
- set a measurable performance target for yourself [eg: more conversations; more next conversations]
- de-construct your desired new skill into sub-skills [eg: gain access, build trust, gain repeated access]
- practice, 1st, the sub-skill that’s key to all other skills [with feedback on how it's affecting results]
- eliminate barriers to practice [ie make it easy to practice the sub-skill that you need to practice]
- commit to 20 hrs. of such strategic practicing [to conquer the frustrations of early failures]
His approach is further proof that practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.
Go forth and learn. New skills that produce higher performance. From practice. Fast.
++++++++++++
The unedited, full length, version of Kaufman’s remarks at RSA is viewable here