Best in the world

I recently witnessed Canada win an Olympic Gold Medal in men's hockey. I was amazed at the teamwork, the efficiency of play and most importantly the long term focus of a country to create such amazing players.

Canada has a population of just over 35 million people. 670,000 kids under 18 play minor hockey. Canada is the 37th most populated country in the world. There are two other hockey countries with a greater population (Russia and USA). Sweden won the silver medal. The Swedes have the 89th most populated country in the world (8.9 million). Finland, who won bronze, might be the most impressive - 5.4 million people.

The power of focus of one particular subject will make you a world class expert. Our recent success the Olympics demonstrates it. Kids start at a young age. Many parents trade their weekends for hockey rinks. We spend money, time and focus on the wee athletes. Summers are spent playing road hockey. Some dream of super-stardom for their kids. Others just want their kids to have fun.  Either case, we put a lot of effort into these proteges. No wonder we're awesome at it...

My son doesn't play organized hockey. He never asked for it so we don't push it. Yet, he still has his net downstairs and we play 3 nights a week, taking turns as the goaltender. Every goal is celebrated like he just won the Stanley Cup.

As much as I'm impressed with a small populated nation like Canada, I'm more impressed with the hockey ability of Finland. They shouldn't be able to play with the likes of Russia and United States. The numbers shouldn't let them be competitive.

Another example of focus on sports and population is Cuba. One of the best countries in the world in baseball, Cuba has 11 million people- 3.4% the size of United States.

If you want to be world class at anything, all you need to do is focus and practice. It's been proven that after 10,000 hours you will be an expert in whatever you decide.

10,000 hours is 5 years of continuous work at 40 hours per week, 50 weeks a year. It's not that hard to achieve if you have the ability to focus.

Do you have the guts to positively change the world? Get the expertise. Anyone can do it, even you and me.