In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point, he studies the lives of some of the most successful people in the world, including Bill Gates, Paul McCartney, Tiger Woods and many more from the arts, business and sports industries. One of the concepts in the book is the 10,000-hour rule: it takes 10,000 hours to become skilled and proficient.
Early in Bill Gates’ career, he worked around the clock, sleeping many nights in his office and never taking a vacation. Tiger Woods is known for getting to the golf course first, and leaving last. Paul McCartney has written hundreds of songs, many of which were never recorded.
Mastery takes time, lots of time. In my life and business, individuals who have mastery in their field surround me. One of the top agents our bands work with is Larry Farber. Larry started in the agency business in 1973, and began working with EastCoast Entertainment (where he is a managing partner) in 1986. Since that time, Larry has booked hundreds of events worldwide. In 2007, he also began “Music With Friends,” a concert series booked in multiple cities. He started playing piano at 12 years old, and still performs with his band “In The Pocket.” Larry knows the sales side — as well as the performing side — of the music industry and is regarded as one of the best in the business.
Larry Farber is just one example of the masters I get to work with on a regular basis. It takes a team of professionals to execute flawless performances and events and I am humbled to be surrounded by others who are as dedicated to their crafts as I am.
There is no substitute for mastery. You can’t fake it. In America, we live where quick diets, on-line courses and all things “fast track” are the norm. Be different. Choose something worthy, and put in the time. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next Bill Gates, Tiger Woods or Larry Farber.
We can’t do everything, but we can choose to master what we most care about.
