Bounce: The of Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice. By author Matthew Syed

We recently had a feature with a few book recommendations. We would like to try and keep this feature going as a quarterly feature, or if we get inundated with book recommendations we could certainly run this as a monthly feature.

If you would like to share a book with us, please drop us an email to: editor@dentaltechnician.org.uk Please tell us the title, author, date it was published and a bit of blurb about the book and why you wanted to share it with us.

Bounce: The of myth of talent and the power of practice

Author: Matthew Syed

Reviewed by: Matt Everatt

lIn previous editions I have written about some of my favourite authors, one being Mel Robbins. A leading inspirational speaker and author of the ‘5 Second Rule’. She has just began her own podcast show and I am an avid listener. I find digesting podcasts a little easier sometimes than picking up a book. That said, I do love a good book for those times on holiday when you get a couple of hours free, I usually find a book and get hooked.

This October half term, my wife passed me a copy of ‘Bounce’ by the Olympian and renowned author, Matthew Syed. Although I haven’t quite finished the book yet, I cannot help but rave about it. Syed writes about the myths of talent and how everyone has the ability to succeed with the right amount of practice.

The book is written mainly from a sporting background, and he uses himself as an example, how he as a Gold Medallist only succeeded due to the amount of practice he put in rather than any natural born talent. I immediately related this to Dental Technology and business in general. We have all said these words; ‘Wow, he/she is so talented’ ‘he/she is a natural’ ‘They were born to be a ……..’ Syed debunks the ‘Talent Myths’ and gives great examples how some of our superstar sports people succeeded simply because they put in the hours. Obviously, there are some physical features that help, such as being tall if you want to play basketball or have a weight advantage if you want to be the next Sumo Wrestling champ. Largely though, success comes from the circumstances we are surrounded by and the amount of effort put in by those individuals wanting to achieve greatness.

I was very sceptical when I first started reading the book, I WAS a big believer in people being born with natural talents. My mind has been changed! It is a fantastic book and I would highly recommend Matthew Syed as an author, my wife has read several of his books already, I intend on reading more for sure.

PHOTO: JOHN CASSIDY