Book of the Month – The Talent Code

For those of you who are participating in our book of the month challenge, this month's book is The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.

A fascinating look into how talent is developed, Daniel Coyle takes us on a journey to nine of the world's hotbeds of talent, asking the questions “What is the secret of talent?” and “How do we develop it?”.  These tiny talent factories have consistently produced world-class musicians, athletes, and leaders while drawing from a rather average population.  How do they do that?

Drawing on cutting-edge neurology and his research gathered on his visits to these talent hotbeds, Coyle identifies 3 specific habits top performers cultivate and apply in order to become the best that they can be.  If you have been in the fixed mindset camp believing that you were either born with specific skills or not, this book is bound to challenge those beliefs through example after example of people breaking through their limitations.  If you already know that talent can be created, this book will reinforce your beliefs, give you concrete steps on how to focus your efforts, and explain the science behind how our brains physically change based on what we do.

This book made me rethink some of my own limitations and has allowed me to develop many skills that I never believed I would be able to.  My hope is that it will do the same for you.

If you've already read The Talent Code, check out another book from my top picks for personal development and read that this month.  Make sure to share and comment what lessons you've taken from this book after reading!