An article in the August 2006 issue of Scientific American titled The Expert Mind offers some interesting data on how to become an expert in any field. In summary, it takes about 10 years of concerted effort. Experts are not born, they are made, or so the research suggests. There are plenty of examples, mostly from study of chess grandmasters. Apparently, grandmasters are not necessarily geniuses in any particular respect. Rather, they just put in their time and become good at it.

Of course, there are no guarantees, but at least it suggests that if you apply yourself, there is a strong possibility of becoming an expert. In my opinion, it’s a lot easier if you enjoy those 10 years. If not, it’s more like work and more likely you will give up too soon. An interesting corollary is that it’s theoretically possible to be an expert in more than one field. I like that.