Anders is a professor of psychology at Florida State University where he specializes in the science of peak performance.  His groundbreaking research has been featured in many publications including Scientific American, Time, Fortune, Wall Street Journal and New York Times.  His most recent book is called Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise.

Some interesting insights from this episode:

• The Malcolm Gladwell “10,000 hour rule” (i.e. it takes 10,000 hours to become world class at something) stems from Anders’ research. But it’s not necessarily 10,000 hours and it’s not any kind of practice.

• Learn what is meant by “deliberate practice”.

• The success of the Navy’s Topgun (fighter pilot training program) largely stemmed from the methodology behind deliberate practice.

• The brain can be rewired to extend its capabilities at any age.

• There is no such thing as natural talent.

• Learn how building mental representations can dramatically improve performance.

• For many fields, the workday is far too long. It is very hard to maintain intense focus and concentration for more than 3 or 4 hours a day.