Insights Archive

Of all the key moments in talent development, the most important and mysterious is the first ten seconds. The first few swings, the first notes, the first stumbly tries. It’s a tenuous time, because it’s … keep reading

Self talk is the world’s most mysterious language. We all do it constantly — you know, that whisper that comes into your head at key moments, the one that says, okay, take a deep breath… … keep reading

I recently got a letter from a reader named Mike Polonsky that shines a bright light on a persistent question a lot of us deal with: what’s the best way to coach your own kid? … keep reading

Life is made up of tests: the championship game, the final exam, the crucial presentation, the big recital. In those moments, we naturally tend to focus on the externals of our performance. Were we successful … keep reading

I’m excited to tell you that I’ve got a new book coming out next Wednesday, September 5. It’s called The Secret Race, written with professional bike racer and former Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton. It’s … keep reading

Not sure about the eligibility rules for Academy Awards, but do you think I’ve got a shot? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSqsQbk1_38  

With the new book arriving in stores today, I thought I’d mark the occasion in the traditional way: by doing an author Q&A, like you see on Jon Stewart or Piers Morgan. In this case, however, … keep reading

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0JtjasYCU Here’s the first trailer for The Little Book of Talent, which is due out on August 21. (Update — we improved the audio — now it works!) A few behind-the scenes-notes: 1) My office … keep reading

We love quickness. We love it when an improv comedian makes a lightning-fast comeback.  Or when a soccer player slices open a tough defense with the perfect pass. Or when an investor spies a great … keep reading

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RNfaIW5k1g&feature=endscreen&NR=1 One of the beautiful things about great practice is how simple it is. This is especially true with soft skills — those improvisatory skills of reading patterns and reacting instantly to them — which … keep reading