In this episode we ask how champions are made. Are they born or are they built? Is nature vs nurture even a useful model for understanding human performance? We look at the incredible power of focus and how it translates into championship performance, we study how Navy Seals use the technique of “drown proofing” and how you can use the same thing to conquer your own fear and perform like a champion. All of this and much more with our guest Dr. Rowan Hooper.

Dr. Rowan Hooper is managing editor of New Scientist magazine, where he has spent more than ten years writing about all aspects of science. He is also the author of the bestselling book Superhuman: Life at the Extremes of Our Capacity. He worked as a biologist and reporter in Japan and two collections of his long-running column for the Japan Times have been published in Japan. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Wired, and The Washington Post.Are champions and high performers born or are they made?How does expertise, traits, and personality develop over time? To be the best in the world at something, no matter what the rest of us may desire, you probably have a genetic leg up to help you achieve absolute greatness Even if you don’t win the genetic lottery, you can make huge strides and get a very long way with practice - it’s an essential component of achievement It’s not as simple as having a gene that simply makes you a better singer or better runner - it’s a mix or combination of dozens, if not hundreds, of genes - and whether those genes are expressed, via epigenetics Does nature vs nurture make sense? Is that still a useful model for understanding performance?For many complex traits, for example intelligence, around 50% of the variance in that trait is typically linked to genetics For memory - its one of the traits where you can substantially increase your memory without any real genetic help. What you can learn from the world record for sailing around the world solo The incredible power of focus - and how Ellen MacArthur organized her entire life towards setting an epic world record What does the science say about how we can become more focused?Massive meta analysis studies of meditation show that over time your brain structure changes and your cognitive ability improves What does “the science of bravery” say?What do scientists say about how we can increase bravery in ourselves? What Navy Seals training and “drown proofing” can teach us about conquering fear and being more brave What does it mean when “the training kicks in” in a moment of crisis?Exposure therapy - and why it’s so important to helping conquer fear Courage is moving slowly towards what you’re naturally inclined to fear The power of lucid dreaming - controlling your dreams to improve your performanceHow do we think about performance and achievement in our lives, in the context of this science?Think about WHY you are doing what you are doing. Is it really what you love doing? Why do you want to achieve that goal or improve that aspect of yourself?Cross train, and don’t specialize too early. Try different things until you find the one that just suits you perfectlyHomework: Practice whatever it is you’ve decided you want to improve yourself in, practice in a directed and deliberate way, check the science behind what you’re doing 

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