By @SimonCocking review of The Art of Performance, The Surprising Science Behind Greatness by Jeroen De Flander. Available to buy here. See more book reviews on Irish Tech News here.
Most people believe the road to success is paved with passion, talent, and some luck. That’s a mistake, says Prof. De Flander. In The Art of Performance, he reveals the extraordinary science behind superior performance and, most importantly, how anyone can achieve it.
In this provocative and persuasive new book, De Flander explores the mindset of the highly successful and uses 6 decades of scientific research to reveal 3 proven performance principles. Drawing on startling statistics and cutting-edge insights, he packages science into a fascinating, readable narrative packed with irresistible and practical takeaways to help readers be more successful in life and work.
Art of Performance book launch at Tias Business School. Thanks Selma, Bianca, Connie, Miranda & team for making it happen!#tias #booklaunch #psychology #newbook pic.twitter.com/JSQQMFeqev
— Jeroen De Flander (@JeroenDeFlander) September 9, 2019
Review of The Art of Performance
Is talent innate, are we just born with it? Or can it be instilled and learned, as per the examples of Venus and Serena Williams or the Polgar, chess-playing sisters? At the same time, while Andre Agassi’s father hot housed his tennis career to achieve success, Andre marked his third attempt after two previous, unsuccessful ones with older siblings. Similarly, with the Williams and Polgar stories, do we tell them repeatedly because the other, failed attempts by other ‘tiger parents’ have less to say about them, are we suffering from a confirmation bias?
De Flander raises some interesting questions, which makes for an interesting and thought provoking read, even if he does not address those concerns raised above. His interesting examination of Desmond Douglas’s table tennis success, despite the counter-intuitive findings that showed he had some of the slowest reaction times of anyone, let alone fellow international players, is a great example of why this was an enjoyable book to read.
The book covers a wide and provocative range of examples, mostly, but not solely, drawn from the sporting world, to try and help us to understand what is happening, and how many individuals have altered their own destinies. It is quite possible it may also inspire and aid you in your own goals and desire to achieve excellence. Grit, learning from failure, and the benefits of a positive outlook are all examined, deconstructed and considered as numerous case studies exemplify what has been achieved by those willing to ‘stay hungry’.
We enjoyed reading the book, hopefully it won’t drive too many parents to hothouse their kids to play tennis if they don’t want to, but it is definitely thought provoking, and well worth reading.
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