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The 10,000-Hour Rule: When Expertise Becomes Identity

Writer's picture: Martin SabagMartin Sabag

We've all heard about the 10,000-hour rule - the theory that to become an expert in any field, you need to invest 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. It sounds logical, right? But there are some deep-rooted issues with this "rule" that nobody seems to talk about.


Let's start with "tunnel vision" - when we're deeply immersed in one field, we start seeing everything through that narrow lens. A programmer sees the world through code, a lawyer through laws and regulations. While this might help us become experts, it often hampers our ability to think creatively and see the bigger picture.


Then there's what I call the "sunk cost trap." Think about BlackBerry - they were so convinced of their path, had invested so much, that they couldn't see the iPhone coming. Or Kodak, unable to let go of film photography. Sometimes we're so invested in something that we can't admit it's time to pivot.


But perhaps the most profound issue is when we start defining ourselves through our expertise. Consider an Olympic athlete training from age 4. It's not just about the training - it becomes their entire identity. Their diet, friends, family - everything revolves around this goal. What happens when it ends?


When I ask people "Who are you?", many answer with their profession: "I'm a lawyer," "I'm a programmer." But what happens when AI replaces parts of these professions? When we can no longer practice what we've defined ourselves by?


This is exactly why I believe it's crucial to define our Why - the vision and value we want to bring to the world. Our profession is just a tool, one way to fulfill this vision.


Take, for example, a lawyer whose Why is helping women who've experienced sexual assault. If for some reason she can't practice law anymore, it doesn't change who she is or her purpose. She'll simply find another way - perhaps establishing a women's shelter or becoming a therapist.


So yes, 10,000 hours of expertise matter. But understanding who we are beyond that expertise matters more. Because ultimately, our profession is just one way to fulfill our vision, not what defines us as human beings.


At YourMarket.Fit, I help people discover their true Why - their purpose beyond professional definitions. I've developed a methodology that guides individuals in finding their unique way to impact the world, transcending conventional career boundaries.


If you're starting to feel that your profession isn't really who you are, and want to discover your true Why - your purpose beyond job titles - I invite you to explore more on my website. There, you'll find information about my process and how it helps people align their passion with their profession.


Resonating with this? I always enjoy hearing personal stories and discussing how to find your Why. Send me a private message, and let's schedule a conversation about your journey.


#Career #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalIdentity #Purpose #Success #YourMarketFit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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©2024 YourMarket.Fit
by Martin H. Sabag

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