The 10,000-hour rule states that to be an expert in any field, the average person must complete 10,000 hours of “deliberate practice” in that field. If so, that indicates the success of the Beatles and Bill Gates.
Many regard the Beatles as the “greatest influential act in the history of the rock era.” Whether the 10,000-hour rule really applies or not certainly depends on the person. However, I think the Beatles would agree with the premise.
Many scientists believe that 10,000-hour rule has been shattered. Their studies show that depending on what field you choose, you may not have to contribute 10,000 hours of practice. And considering the weight of words “ten thousand,” for some it’s a relief. Having to spend 10,000 hours on any one thing just to be remembered in history books would be quite insane.
Princeton studies show that in subjects such as gaming, music and sports, there’s almost a 20 percent time difference. And in education or professions, it’s as little as 5 percent.
Don’t worry too much, though. Josh Kaufman says that to learn your next hobby, it will take about 20 hours or 45 minutes a day for a month.
This is the most thought-provoking and relieving thing I have ever learned. All right, let’s say that the next thing you want to learn is listing the 50 states. You learn your 50 states and the next thing you want to learn is how to play an instrument. The next month is painting and the next is prefixes and suffixes. There’s endless more. There’s more to say and do and think and feel.
Maybe your goal is to become world-class. Well, then practicing for 10,000 hours can’t be too much of a sacrifice, but in the meantime, I think I can learn more. And do more. And see more.
You can never learn too much. So, if you’re busy and want something to do, any hobby is a good one. If you stay with it, you might find that you want to spend 10,000 hours on it.
Annie Blakeley is an eighth-grader at Hamlet Middle School, a band and chorus student and a member of First United Methodist Church in Hamlet.