A head start doesn't always ... well, help you get ahead. With examples from sports, technology and economics, journalist David Epstein shares how specializing in a particular skill too early in life may undermine your long-term development -- and explains the benefits of a "sampling period" where you try new things and focus on building a range of skills. Learn how this broader, counterintuitive mindset (and more forgiving timeline) could lead to a more fulfilling life, personally and professionally.

David Epstein: Why specializing early doesn't always mean career success

Why specializing early doesn't always mean career success

Elite athletes often start with a 'sampling period' of diverse sports, contradicting the 10,000-hour rule for early specialization.

The most impactful patents come from individuals who've traversed a broad span of tech domains, not just deep dives into one.

In a 'wicked work world', adaptability trumps early specialization, with broad experiences fueling innovation and problem-solving.