A study published in
Science reveals that children who stand out very early generally will not be among the most accomplished adults.
An international team examined the trajectories of 34,839 high-achieving individuals, such as Nobel Prize laureates, Olympic medalists, chess grandmasters, and classical music composers. By cross-referencing this information, the researchers identified common patterns across very different sectors.
Illustrative image Unsplash
Individuals who achieve world-class excellence generally show a slow and steady progression during their youth. They were not among the best in their age group and often practiced several activities before specializing. This exploration appears to be a determining step rather than a hindrance.
Three explanations are proposed to clarify this result. The first indicates that testing different domains increases the chances of finding the one that best matches one's aptitudes. The second highlights that diversified learning strengthens general abilities, which then facilitates progress in a chosen field. Finally, diversification limits the risks associated with too early specialization, such as burnout or injuries.
These findings lead to reconsidering the support for young people. Rather than early specialization, it seems more favorable to encourage them to cultivate two or three passions, even if they seem unrelated. Albert Einstein's path, both a physicist and a violinist, is an illustration of this.
Illustrative image Pixabay
This perspective could have an impact on educational and sports policies. By prioritizing exploration and long-term growth, we would increase the possibilities of seeing exceptional talents develop in various sectors.