An interesting op-ed in the New York Times, “Genius: A Modern View“, by David Brooks maintains that genius isn’t born, it’s made.

Referencing recent books, “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle and “Talent Is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin, Mr. Brooks points out that the key factor separating geniuses (ranging from Mozart to Tiger Woods) from the rest is not I.Q., but instead “deliberate practice.”

“Top performers”, ranging from Mozart to Tiger Woods, he writes, “spend more hours (many more hours) rigorously practicing their craft.” 10,000 hours is the number he mentions (if you practiced 24/7, that’s a little over a year).

What does this mean?

It’s never too late to turn yourself into a genius. As Coyle observes, “It’s not who you are, it’s what you do.”