What I Have Learned From Becoming an Expert at Only One Thing

Malcolm Gladwell, in his 2008 bestseller Outliers: The Story of Success , argues that to achieve world-class expertise in any skill, you need about 10,000 hours of practice… deliberate, focused, and purposeful practice. This is an interesting premise, frequently debated, that has occupied my thoughts over the last few days since I received a question via email from a young professional I mentor about what I thought were my areas of “expertise”. As I sipped my coffee this morning, I reflected on the answer I sent him in reply through the lens of Mr. Gladwell’s observation.

Here is a more fleshed out version of the answer I sent my mentee.

It has occurred to me that I have accumulated over 10,000 hours of focused practice in a number of areas of my life. I have been married almost 30 years, a father for almost 27 years, and a business leader for over 35 years. But I don’t consider myself an expert in any of these important roles. I don’t say that out of false humility, but from the recognition that I have always felt I am a work in progress and an eager student in all of these areas. To say I am an expert husband, father or leader would seem laughable to me.

There is, however, one thing I believe I have achieved expertise at over the years. I am an expert at taking long walks. You must think I am joking, but indulge me for a few minutes. I have been a fan of taking long walks most of my adult life and about 15 years ago committed to daily walks, assuming fair weather and good health. I love walking in the woods, on trails near my home, and in all the beautiful places my family and I have been fortunate to visit over the years. Being an expert at taking long walks may not seem like much of an achievement, but it is not simply the walking itself that I want to share with you. Aside from the obvious benefits to my health, stress relief and quiet time my high-functioning introvert personality craves, my life has been transformed by what I do while I am taking my walks.

I have one hard rule I follow when walking: no iPhones, no music, no podcasts, etc. Aside from exercise, I utilize my walking time to think, pray and reflect. That’s it. Because of this disciplined and somewhat monastic approach to walking, I have developed a number of best practices and harvested a great deal of fruit from my daily efforts. Here are seven areas of my life that have been enriched through my deliberate and purposeful walks:

1. I have learned to savor solitude and quiet. We are surrounded by unhealthy noise from social media, TV and radio that I am able to eliminate while on my walks. I am fully engaged with people the majority of each workday through my coaching and consulting work. I spend meaningful time with my family and friends. I truly love all of these encounters, but my personality increasingly requires quiet time as I get older. I have learned to savor the quiet moments on the walking trail and it has become a welcomed addiction that I look forward to each day as it re-fuels me to show up more engaged and energized with the people in my life.
2. Strengthened my marriage. I often think of my wonderful wife while walking and how to show up better as a husband and partner to this woman I love. Marriage is an investment…one of the greatest investments you can make…and I prioritize strengthening and growing my commitment to her every chance I get.
3. Helped me be a better father. Just as I prioritize thinking about my wife and our marriage, I think a lot about being a better father. I am far from perfect and feel like I am still learning how to fill this vital role just as my sons are learning to make their way in the world. Reflecting on the walking trail about fatherhood has taught me to work hard at modeling the right behavior, be vulnerable enough to admit mistakes, ask for forgiveness and practice forgiveness towards them as well. I hope we all continue learning from each other in a loving way for the rest of our lives.
4. Learned how to deal with adversity. I reflect a great deal on challenges in my life and how to better handle adversity. The peace and quiet provided by my walks stimulates deeper thinking, creative problem solving and has forced me to learn patience. Any burden I carry with me on a walk is typically much lighter by the time I am finished.
5. Fostered deeper gratitude. One of my favorite practices during a walk is to reflect on what and who I am grateful for in my life. Just reflecting on the blessings I have received and recognizing that sometimes struggles are a form of blessing to be grateful for, has transformed my life. I credit these long treks as the catalyst for my deepening sense of gratitude…and for this I am grateful!
6. Helped me realize my career purpose. Many years ago, I began to realize that my purpose and mission is not to solely focus on becoming a great leader and climb to the top of the corporate ladder, but to work at being a true servant leader. I think a lot in these quiet moments on the trail about better serving those around me through my coaching, writing, consulting and speaking engagements. I have come to truly understand in a profound and meaningful way, that the best way to lead others is by serving them.
7. Strengthened my prayer life and faith. I pray a great deal, especially on my daily walks. There is something about being outside to experience God’s creation and beauty that stimulates my desire to pray, seek His guidance and be grateful for my blessings. I can't imagine where I would be as a man of faith without this focused time dedicated to prayer and reflection.

I hope you will reflect on why I chose taking long walks as my solitary area of expertise. I have given this area of my life well over Mr. Gladwell’s prescribed 10,000 hours of deliberate practice and although I am sure there are better experts than me when it comes to taking walks, I feel humbled and fortunate to have learned how to make the most of these special moments on the trail. The nurturing and growth I have experienced during my “practice” hours has transformed me and shaped who I have become.

I am still a work in progress, but I plan to keep on walking…and learning…as long as I am able.

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Randy Hain is the president of Serviam Partners , the award-winning author of 10 books, an executive coach, leadership consultant and thought leader on candor, clarity, time management, accountability and business relationships. He is also the co-founder of The Leadership Foundry .