Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Practice vs. Talent: What Does the Science Say?

Can practice override talent? What does science have to say on the practice vs. talent conundrum? According to David Epstein, the author of The Sports Gene, there is a disproportionate emphasis on practice as the defining variable in success. However, findings from research studies support a more well-rounded view of the power of practice. For some, practice provides the medium for innate (genetic) ability to flourish. Given the same amount of practice, others may have a more difficult time learning a particular skill. Let’s look at evidence that Epstein has collected from sports and beyond that suggests each of us

The Happiness Trap: Quotes by Russ Harris

Are you looking for The Happiness Trap quotes by Russ Harris? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In The Happiness Trap, therapist and life coach Russ Harris argues that the human pursuit of happiness makes us miserable today, leading to widespread anxiety, stress, and depression. Harris contends the real answer to escape the “happiness trap” is through the techniques of ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Here is a selection of passages with explanations to help you put them into context.

Embrace Negative Emotions to Be Happier in Life

What is the problem with avoiding negative emotions? How do negative emotions—paradoxically enough—contribute to happiness? Modern culture pressures us to reject negative emotions and replace them with positivity. However, even experiences that we deem positive carry with them a negative element. Therefore, we cannot really experience happiness without also experiencing potentially negative emotions. Here is why happiness requires that you embrace negative emotions.

Measuring Customer Experience: The Blue Ocean Way

What are your customers thinking? How do you measure KPI for customer experience? There are many different approaches to measuring customer experience. In their book Blue Ocean Strategy, Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim advise that you use what they call a “buyer utility map,” which is essentially a customer experience scorecard for analyzing how your customer responds to your product at every stage. A blank example of a customer experience scorecard is shown below.

Ryan Holiday: The Art of Stoic Acceptance

How do you practice Stoic acceptance? How does cultivating total acceptance of the things that are beyond your control help you move forward in life? Acceptance is one of the key tenets of Stoic philosophy. Once you’ve learned to face life with stoic acceptance and peacefully accept whatever is beyond your control, you can channel all your energy into achieving your goals—instead of ruminating about your powerlessness. Keep reading to learn about the art of Stoic acceptance and how to put it into practice.

The Importance of Practice in Sports: 3 Key Advantages

Can practice override innate ability? What role does practice play in sports performance? While practice alone cannot determine outcomes in sports (there’s also a strong genetic component), its importance cannot be underestimated. Practice builds sport-specific wisdom, allows you to react quickly, and makes you “unconsciously competent.” Keep reading to learn about the importance of practice in sports success.

The 10,000-Hour Rule and the Promise of Mastery

What is the 10,000-hour rule? Is it true that a lot of practice can override talent? The phrase the 10,000-hour rule has become a popular way to express the idea that enough practice is a virtual guarantee of expertise. It epitomizes the idea that practice (nurture) can overcome innate ability (nature). Here’s what the science has to say on the matter.

Can We Control Our Emotions?

Can we control our emotions? And if so, to what extent? Starting in childhood, we’re socialized to believe we should be able to control our emotions. The truth is that we can regulate only a small fraction of our thoughts and emotions—most of them are subconscious and beyond our control. Here is why we actually exert less control over our thoughts and feelings than we think we do.

Why We Get Stuck in Cycles of Negative Thinking

Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? Do you often find yourself slipping into the vicious cycle of negative thinking? People don’t choose to get stuck in cycles of negative thinking—they’ve simply developed unproductive strategies of processing negative thoughts. There are two types of strategies that can turn into a vicious cycle of negative thinking: fight strategies and flights strategies. Keep reading for examples of each strategy.

How to Solve Problems the Stoic Way

What does Stoicism have to say about problem-solving? What would a true Stoic do when faced with a problem in life? The cornerstone of the Stoics’ problem-solving philosophy is that you can find a silver lining in any circumstance in your life, no matter how dire it seems. Even if the only benefit you can find in an obstacle is an opportunity to practice acting virtuously, for instance, by restraining your anger or forgiving a misdeed, you’ve gained something of value. With this in mind, here’s how to solve problems the Stoic way, according to Ryan Holiday.