From schmo to pro in 10000 hours

Just over 1600hrs ago, a physically unexceptional non-golfing Portlander named Dan quit his job and dedicated his life to becoming a PGA pro via possibly totally scientific principles and 10000hrs of "deliberate practice", documenting his voyage, dubbed The Dan Plan, on a website of the same name, because it would've been weird to call it The Carl Plan. Now, with a 5ft putt average of around 80%, he claims the method will work for just about any endeavor you'd want to undertake, although height concerns might keep you from becoming the actual Undertaker. His tips to help Thrillist readers ready themselves for total domination:

  • When choosing what to become a pro at, Dan suggests picking something you know little about to avoid already bad behaviors by starting from scratch, even though his golf game couldn't have started farther from it.
  • 10000hrs of practice is a big commitment, but the fast-track plan can get you there if you do six hours a day, six days a week, for six years. Fast track!!
  • Since you'll need to eat after you've quit your job to pursue your dream, Dan suggests saving enough to live at 80% of your current income for the plan's duration, so at the very least you'll be a certified expert on Frosted Mini Spooners, Cinnamon Toasters, and Marshmallow Mateys.
  • "Back-up plan? Why would you need a back-up plan? Unless you were planning to fail."
  • Dan stresses you'll need top-notch guidance, so budget for a coaching session at least once a week (think $100 per), but avoid Jerry Glanville, because you'll probably want to be successful more than nine times.
  • Deliberate practice means working on the stuff you're bad at, and "if you're not frustrated, you're probably not working on something you should be", which kinda sounds like the opposite of the crappy job you quit.

At just about a year and a half in, Dan's got a long way to go, but you can track his progress on his website, which also features a new forum where folks can trade secrets about their own plans, and ooops!...there go your 10000 hours.