Although this ‘deliberate practice’ process of attaining elite or excellence has been quoted in recent literature and the media as the ‘10,000 hour rule’. The importance of pushing beyond ones capabilities and limits has not been emphasised in this reporting. Becoming a violinist, chess and golf professional are some of the 10,000 hour guides to excellence. To maximise deliberate practice an approach that is neither short-lived nor simple and extends over a period of at least 10 years and involves optimisation within several constraints is required.