Studies look at averages. Individual results, of course, are what counts for you. Some people (my brother) have a natural aptitude and ability, plus a love for the instrument and a dedication. Others, like me, have to work at it, and have had to live life in the outside world, at least superficially. So 10,000 hours may not be enough. My brother, Jerry, many others, were lucky enough to live the life they love, and only later in life did I find out that this is it, you only live once, and what matters is love, treating others as you would wish to be treated, in fact, not just in theory, and making of your life what you are, not what someone else wants you to be. Until we as humans realize this, and stop mistreating others, stop trying to believe the myths, stop trying to believe dogmas, catmas, micemas, gerbilmas (anything that requires a suspension of reason to believe), then we cannot progress. We have accomplished all that we can, and it is downhill from here. This is your one chance to get it right...your life. Live it with love; genuine love, not superficial hidden-agenda love, be an example, but most importantly, be true to yourself. Never forget the pure joy you experienced the first time you mastered riding a bicycle away from home, or the excitement when you got your first kiss. And listen to 4/23/69. It's cooking!
Sorry about the stream-of-consciousness. I really believe these things, and wish everyone the happiness that comes from living a life with love. Schmaltzy, but truly necessary, I think. Ststistically, I'm in the minority (put in to keep from hijacking the thread! Ceesy!!).
Peace to you all, and love from the heart!
Gone are the days we stopped to decide where we should go, we just ride...