Culture
June 2023

The 10,000-Hour Rule: Success Measured in Years, Not Instagram Posts

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In a world obsessed with instant gratification and overnight success stories, it's crucial to uncover the truth and unravel the myths that surround the path to greatness.

The 10,000-Hour Rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, has shed light on the importance of dedication and deliberate practice in mastering any skill. From aspiring NBA players in the G League to renowned surgeons and celebrated athletes, the road to success is paved with years (if not decades) of hard work and relentless commitment. Moreover, the realities of the business world reveal that the average age of the worlds billionaires of 67 and millionaires of 55 proves that Instagram millionaires might just be capping (lying).

The Myth of Instant Success

The concept of overnight success is a mirage. What appears to be overnight triumph is often the result of years of perseverance, resilience, and consistent effort. The truth behind their journeys will inspire us to question our own beliefs about success.

Exploring the journey of success of players who've played in the G League unveils the sacrifices, setbacks, and relentless pursuit of improvement.  By understanding their arduous path, we gain valuable insights into the patience required to achieve true mastery. The Miami Heat in this year's finals push have done so with multiple players who were previously un-drafted, written off, cut, and otherwise deemed "failures" by society.

Mastery is not a fleeting moment; it is a culmination of years of deliberate practice. By recognizing the commitment needed to reach the pinnacle of success, we can reset our expectations and appreciate the significance of sustained dedication. Dare we even support those who are on the journey, or is this against the rules? In a society that is dangerously subject to exploitation on social media and harmed by the urgency of an instant gratification environment we've seen many draft picks traded or cast off prior to being given the opportunity to develop.

James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, and Malik Monk come immediately to mind. It takes even the greatest players years to reach their primes, and then to learn to win. And players like Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent, both lauded for their performance had to overcome being written off by the public and working their way up.

Isn't growth and working our way up expected with every job?

The world of social media paints a dangerous picture of quick wealth and instant success. With many falsely believing that their growth lessons are signs of failure. However, by analyzing the average age of billionaires (67) and millionaires (55), we quickly see the truth behind these claims. The journey to financial abundance is a long-term pursuit that often spans decades of hard work, strategic planning, and resilience. This realization challenges the notion of overnight success and encourages us to focus on long-term growth rather than chasing fleeting trends.

The pursuit of mastery and success requires a mindset shift. We must discard the allure of instant gratification and embrace the journey of deliberate practice and continuous improvement. Understanding that true expertise takes time and effort allows us to redefine success on our own terms.

So, let's dismiss the notion of overnight success and commit ourselves to the path of mastery, knowing that lasting achievements are forged through years of unwavering dedication.

Life never stops moving, so that dude working at the car wash or scooping ice-cream just may be the next President of the United States. Keep grinding, it'll pay off.

Issa Hall, Esq

Issa has founded multiple ventures, is an author, and founding partner of Hall & Dixon law firm, with over a decade of experience in tech and law.

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