How to become excellent at anything you want

Especially early in a career, a high volume of output compensates for inexperience and lack of resources.

Blogging, writing books, and doing the news has taught me that volume is an incredible strategy.

Especially early in a career, I’ve learned that high output compensates for inexperience and lack of resources. Even without a niche or expertise, building a reputation for producing a huge amount of work is worthwhile. 

People notice. And that momentum snowballs.  

Everyone I’ve met who is prolific at something tends to do well in whichever space they are practicing. It’s very hard not to improve at something you do every single day. 

The 10,000 hour rule has become a cliche at this point, but the concept offers a helpful North Star. With enough reps — in any skill or job — proficiency becomes inevitable. 

During my time with Business Insider, I wrote thousands of stories and newsletters about financial markets and investing. I had no background in the material when I first joined. 

But through huge output, I’ve since become comfortable and confident with these topics. 

I’m convinced that, for any skill, volume is the ultimate teacher. 

Being prolific closes the gap between rookies and experts. It opens the door for anyone with grit and hustle to grow and compete. 

It’s what I’m leaning into with Opening Bell Daily, the new financial media outlet I launched and co-founded last week after quitting my job in mainstream media.

By this time next month, I’ll have penned 22 editions of the newsletter. 

By next year, almost 300. 

The work of this new venture excites me because, with volume, it will improve rapidly. That means my abilities will, too. 

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