Wednesday, March 11, 2009

10,000 Hour Rule



I am going to deviate from my normal family narrative and comment briefly about the book I'm reading. Usually I stay away from that sort of thing since my husband posts enough literary wisdom for the both of us. I thought this was interesting though. In Malcolm Gladwell's lateset book, Outliers He discusses the 10,000 hour rule. It is roughly the number of hours to become an expert at something- anything. He sites the Beetles's stage time before their big break, Bill Gates's programing hours before his big break, Bobby Fisher and chess, professional violinists etc. He argues that they do have some natural talent and inclination, but its the time investment that seperates the amatures from the professionals so to speak.
My first question to myself-have I spent 10,000 hours doing anything? (besides sleeping and eating, and I know I'm an expert at those two things!) I decided that I probably have NOT spent any where close to that. It takes about 3 hours a day, every day, for 10 years to reach the expert level. I figure I'm some where in the 1000-2000 hour level for piano, same for cooking. Zach and I decided that if we continue to attend the temple every other week for 50 years we'll only get in 2500 hours. Here is the next step in this train of thinking, do I want to become an expert? If so, in what? Am I willing to put in the 10,000 hours necessary? Are you? Tell me what you are an expert at- I'm interested in knowing.


Sunday, March 8, 2009

*Its party Time*

This past monday we celebrated DH birthday with my parents and my sister's family. It was an eventful night. When you have 4 small children running around something is bound to happen. At dinner some how milk spilled and while trying to clean up that mess Owen (2 years) decided it would be a good idea to climb the corner book case. Luckily Grandpa Ogarek was there to catch the case and prevent the poor lad from being squashed, but all the knick knacks broke and scattered glass into the food. Cake and presents were moved into the kitchen. After being a little intimidated by a group sing along in the dark where everyone is staring at you, David Hyrum enjoyed some sugary goodness, made by yours truely. Maybe next year will go a little smoother.