The Talent Code is a really neat book that examines booms in talent across history in different parts of the world. Author Daniel Coyle goes all in, traveling to different parts of the world on his quest discover what makes talent (the talent code).

In today’s reading, he cites two examples of past studies and the implications that lie therein. The first study examined a group of people who were worthy of “1/2 page dedicated to them in Encyclopedia Britannica”, and the other group was comprised of former world-record holders in sprinting.

Both studies found the same conclusion: sacrifice can lead to drive and motivation when channeled correctly. The Encyclopedia group found that the vast majority of its members had lost parents at a young age, while the speedy group found that, on average, they were the youngest (or close to) sibling in their multi-sibling family.

Sacrifice, while sometimes controllable and sometimes non-controllable, can be used constructively to keep you focused and grounded. Sometimes, ‘not having’ can be the spark you need to ‘having.’

Simple? No. Simple enough to understand the point? Yes.

In today’s AM Excellence, I dive deeper into sacrifice, motivation and understanding the power we have in leadership positions. Listen here.

Spaniard

About the author : cbrenneman

Leave A Comment

    Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!

    Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!

Subscribe to newsletter

Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.

[fusion_form form_post_id="2827" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" /]

Latest videos

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

Join our mailing list today

Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.

[fusion_form form_post_id="2830" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" /]

Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit sed porttitor lectus.