IGNITION

This is the second major section of The Talent Code. Deep practice is the first step but ignition is needed to get that deep practice going. It is the energy, motivation, and passion behind the practice. A lot of principles and practices from The Miracle Morning. Throughout these chapters came different practices in developing a talent hotbed and having an environment of success.

The multiple stories and studies in this section all point us to similar characteristics of success and talent. Greatness was grown and practiced. One of the first similarities recognized was the passion of learning. Passion came from the environment, from the outside and changed the attitude within. There was a study of practices with students who had different end goals. They were all asked ‘how long do you think you will play…?’. They were divided up to three different options: Short-term commitment, medium-term commitment, and long-term commitment. Those who had the mentality that this was a long-term commitment outperformed everyone and progressed the fastest. They grew even more than the students who practiced longer with a short-term commitment. They had a vision of their ideal future selves succeeding past the practice. They were doing the deep practice because they knew it would affect their future.

Isn't it interesting when you are running a race, if someone is in front of you, you automatically run faster compared to when you are the leader you push yourself just enough to get first place. These talent hotbeds have success surrounding them pushing them to reach the next level. There were several different examples of triggers that fueled the skill. It was the ignition of the deep practice.

There are multiple if/then responses and it is suggested that they should all have the same then answer… “Better get busy”  There was also the study that listed all the successful individuals who were orphans at young age. This gave the phrase “You are not safe.” The fastest runners tend to be the youngest kids in a family. The phrase, “You are behind - keep up!” All these signals, aware or not, ignite us to be motivated and to push forward.

Another illustration used was the Curacao baseball team and little leagues. Their ignition was sparked by the success of their own in the Yankee’s World Series. They were able to relate and had a connection which sparked them and kept them motivated. “Hey that could be you”  The little kids had someone to look up to and a role model that they strived to be.

Alongside vision was motivational language. There was a study of students, half praised for intelligence, while the other half were praised for their effort. The students praised for their effort stretched themselves and kept trying which ultimately made them grow and succeed greatly. The students who were praised for intelligence made the choice of an easier path, afraid to make mistakes, which cause them to question their intelligence, resulting in their scores going down.

Affirming the struggle and challenges along the way cause greater success. You don’t automatically learn how to walk, babies fall down and struggle for months. The same would be true in your business. You are not automatically going to become successful. It will take time and there might be a lot of struggles along the way. Trails can be a good sign. It means we are pushing the limits to improve. It’s about motivational language to keep fighting and struggling to learn and develop the skill. It is about pushing above the ceiling, not capping your ability. Effort-based language speaks to the experience of learning to improve.

The last chapter of the Ignition section shared the story of KIPP schooling. This school, although extreme, have great principles to succeed. Their entire slogan is “Work Hard - Be Nice” The students from a young age learn that everything is earned and that every single detail matters. Self-discipline was more accurate than IQ in predicting a student’s GPA. Attention to detail and focusing on the end goal were pillars of the school. They needed to see the vision to get there and motivation to keep the dream alive. The disciple was what held the students accountable.

What is your ignition for deep practice? What is your vision of your future and are you okay with struggling to get there? Reward effect and commit to the long-term dreams. Stay focused on the details, affirm the struggles, and keep the fuel to earn your end goal. Work hard and be nice. Better get busy.