The Talent Code, by Daniel Coyle is something of a “How To” Book. Coyle asserts that “Talent” is not something you are born with, but something you can develop. According to Coyle, it is really all about MYELIN, the microscopic substance that insulates neural connections, making them faster and more efficient. This can make your movements and thought processes faster and more efficient.
It’s all about Myelin.
There are three key elements to developing Myelin, thereby enhancing your gifts and optimizing your performance in Sports, Math, Art, Music, etc.
DEEP PRACTICE
Highly focused with corrective repetitions, always striving for improvement, if not perfection.
IGNITION
The Motivational Force that makes someone willing to do the hard work, required to gain mastery in any given field.
MASTER COACHING (Talent Whisperers)
The Four Virtues of Master Coaches
1) The Matrix – Must possess a Multi-Layered Knowledge of the Content they are teaching.
2) Perceptiveness – The ability to “sense” things (hearing, seeing, feeling etc.), the often subtle differences between fair and excellent execution.
3) GPS Reflex – The ability to navigate the student through the process. Knowing when correction is needed. Knowing when to be demanding to get the pupil to the next level or when encouragement is necessary to prevent discouragement.
4) Theatrical Honesty – Having the Moral Authority to lead, teach or coach. If you have the first three virtues, you likely have this one. Being Empathetic and selfless allow you to truly connect with your students.
This is a terrific book for anyone interested in how to improve almost any kind of performance. Teachers, Coaches and Parents as well as their Students, Players and Children, can all gain knowledge about the Process of Practice and the Quest to Get Better.
