How to Become a World Class Expert in Just 20 Minutes a Day
Is it really possible to become an expert in some field in 20 minutes a day?
When I first was exposed to the idea, I'll admit I was rather skeptical. But I heard the idea from a very wise man named Earl Nightengale whom I respected, so the idea intrigued me. I was listening to his audio tapes titled "Lead The Field", loaned to me by a friend. Gradually the idea took root in my mind, and the more it did, the more excited I became.
So is it possible?
I'm here to tell you it not only is possible, it is almost a sure thing if you pick a very small subject in which you are extremely interested.
The key is to pick a subject you LOVE, and then narrow that subject down to a small bite-size area. Then spend 20 minutes a day - every day - learning every detail about that subject.
The reason that most people fail is that they pick too big a subject. You've got to narrow it down to a tiny sub-set, then go after it like a starving dog goes after a juicy steak.
Let me give you a personal example: I am a musician. Can I become a world-class expert in music?
Pretty doubtful, because the subject is HUGE. I would have to know music history, composers, composition, music theory, and musical instruments of all kinds, all about singing, opera, jazz and a hundred other sub-areas of music.
But in the area of music there is a sub-area of piano playing. I play the piano. So can I become the world's expert in piano playing?
Still pretty doubtful. Piano playing is a smaller area than music, but it's still huge. I would need to know all the piano literature from concertos to fugues, piano construction, pianists, piano styles, and dozens of other sub-areas.
Well then, how about piano chords?
That's a good deal more reasonable, and that's exactly the area I chose to master when I was still in my teens. I LOVED chords, so spending 20 minutes a day studying all about piano chords was like a chocolate addict spending 20 minutes in the Hershey factory. And while my goal was to spend 20 minutes a day, I was so interested in the subject that I usually spent more like 2 hours a day.
Am I the world's expert in piano chords?
Probably not, but it really doesn't matter.
There are probably many musicians around the world that know as much as I do about chords. But that's OK - what I know about piano chords has enabled me to enjoy music like I never could have dreamed before, earn a lifetime of income, participate in thousands musical events, write a series of books on chords, and build a teaching studio that now reaches thousands and thousands of people all around the world via CD and DVD.
Can you do the same in your area of interest?
Of course.
Just make sure of two factors:
1. You are in LOVE with the subject;
2. Make sure the subject is small enough to master.
If you can do those two things, you are on your way to becoming a world-class expert in your field in 20 minutes a day.
Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and music educational materials such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. His book-CD-DVD course titled "How To Play Chord Piano In Ten Days!" has sold over 100,000 copies around the world. He holds advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He is the author of the popular free 101-week online e-mail newsletter titled "Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions" with over 57,400 current subscribers.
Latest News
Classical music Los Angeles Times, CA - Chamber Music in Historic Sites: Prima Trio The members of the trio, hailing from Turkmenistan, Denmark and Russia, perform works by Mozart, ... Bratislava Music Festival Kicks Off with Gala Concert CSO hires president Devey to head Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra |
Photos of Performances Using Nintendo's Wii Music are Available on ... MarketWatch - Crowds gather as a street musician plays Wii Music at Pier 39 in San Francisco on Nov. 22. Wii Music, which launched for Wii on Oct. 20, allows players of ... |
 CTV.ca | Will the American Music Awards win the youth vote? Los Angeles Times, CA - By Geoff Boucher At rehearsals this week for the 36th Annual American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre, one of the key executives for the show gushed that ... Performances pack American Music Awards show in Los Angeles American Music Awards celebrate fan favourites Britney Spears to Perform at Sunday's American Music Awards? |
Fresh thoughts on new music: At long last, 'Chinese Democracy' Detroit Free Press, United States - The continually shuffling release dates became a running gag in the music business, and the album became a synonym for dragged-out endeavors. ... Will rock fans have appetite for new GNR? Music Review: Chinese Democracy NEW MUSIC: Guns N’ Roses releases long-awaited album |
 BBC News | MTV Africa Music Awards CharlotteObserver.com, NC - American artist Kelly Rowland, right, performs with Nigerian singer D' banj, winner of artist of the year, at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Abuja Nigeria ... Nigerians sweep MTV Africa awards Lesley Mofokeng speaks to Trevor Nelson, host of the first MTV ... |
Sweet music for Copiague Newsday, NY - Yesterday morning, the band practiced parade music for four frigid hours, some bundled in five layers of clothing. The cold weather provided "a good warmup" ... |
This Day In Music Billboard, NY - 1995 - Michael Jackson is crowned best male artist and Bjork best female artist at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards in Paris. 1992 - Country music singer ... |
Critic's picks - pop music Boston Globe, United States - ... and lots of chances to sing along as 34 local and national acts come together for four days to worship at the altar of pop music. 7 pm Ends tonight. ... |
This Day In Music Billboard, NY - ... Child and Kelly Clarkson triumph, each taking two trophies away from the 33rd annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. ... |
 New York Daily News | Conductor Gustavo Dudamel is riding a wave of Dudamania Los Angeles Times, CA - By Reed Johnson Reporting from Caracas, Venezuela -- The new global poster boy for classical music and his wife are salsa-stepping across the ballroom of ... Dudamel's baton entices a new wave of classical music lovers 10 minutes with Gustavo Dudamel Gustavo Dudamel lives his dream |
Resources
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Movie traffic, great seller, great conversion, you get an easy $45 per sale.
-
MP3 Music Downloads
Best Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Guaranteed!
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Download Free Music Now. Search & Find MP3
-
The Bandit A&R Newsletter for ambitious acts and songwriters
Bandit publishes details of Music companies world-wide which are in the market for new acts songwriters and masters Secure on-line card clearance system
-
My Music Inc. - Unlimited Free Music and Movie Downloads.
Top Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Per Sale Guaranteed ! - Updated 01/03/2006.
-
Rated "Best iPod 'accessory' Ever" Download Movies, TV shows, Music Videos and Songs for i
Capatalize on the Popular iPod Brand! Earn 75% - $35+ per Sale! Best Converting Website of 2006! #1 Product for All iPod Fans
-
Learn To Read Piano Music With Fun Piano Software for Children, Adult Beginners And Piano Teachers
"
-
Front & Back Music Software & Royalty Free Music Clips
Royalty Free Music
-
DVDxRipper.com - Copy Any DVD to CD
Brand new site, Big money maker. Incredible 75% revshare.
-
MoviesDirectPro
Incredibly high converting Unlimited Downloads site. Unlimited Moves, Tv Shows, Documentaries, Music Albums, Software & Games.