The concept of mastery as covered in the book Outliers: The Story of Success (Little, Brown and Company, 2008) by Malcolm Gladwell is based on numerous studies and evaluation of many all-stars throughout many industries, ranging from the Microsoft founder Bill Gates, to basketball great Michael Jordan, to rock gurus The Beatles. The object of the studies was to factually address the concept of certain individuals or groups simply being lucky or naturally gifted as the reason for their success.
Although it is true that some people or groups have genetic and circumstantial advantages, these advantages only serve as an interest lure. For example, a person from a family that plays golf does not automatically become the best golfer in the world. This person does enjoy a circumstantial edge because of more available access to the course, gear and knowledge of the game. However, true success and mastery is dependent on seat time, which gives a whole new meaning to the saying: “Practice makes perfect.”
This is important to realize because all people hold the same opportunity to become a master at whatever they choose, as long as they are willing to commit the time and effort in order to achieve the objective.