> Psychologists used to think that O.K. plateaus marked the upper bounds of innate ability. [BUT...!] focusing on their technique, staying goal-oriented and getting immediate feedback on their performance.<p>See also carol dweck "deliberate practice" stuff.<p>Usain Bolt, fastest man in the world, incredible to watch his effortless victory, naturally gifted, also hit a plateau:<p>> Like many promising runners, Bolt had come out of nowhere, burned brightly for a few years — setting a number of junior records — then appeared to have burned out. <a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/usain-bolt-bio-0410-3" rel="nofollow">http://www.esquire.com/features/usain-bolt-bio-0410-3</a>