How does improved hot streak work

To our surprise, we found something more interesting. But in looking at the relative timing of these highest-impact works, the researchers found that they are correlated. Liu said that there are many cases when the most famous works of an individual came in sequence. Liu said that this could help to understand the innovative process, and have the potential to discover and cultivate individuals during a hot streak.

As the research shows that hot streaks do in fact exist in creative careers, the researchers hope to apply the research methods to more domains, including musicians, inventors and entrepreneurs. If we can find the triggers and drivers behind the universal pattern, that would be much more interesting. Research Hot streak: Finding patterns in creative career breakthroughs International research team discovers career hot streaks occur in science, art and film.

But the same is true of most domains, including business. Our research suggests that decision-makers should consider incorporating the notion of hot streaks into their calculus, if polices are to identify and nurture individuals more likely to have lasting impact. But perhaps the most important — and uplifting — implication is for the individual innovators out there striving to make their mark on the world. In other words, there is hope: Each new gray hair, literal or figurative, does not by itself make us obsolete.

As long as you keep putting work out into the world, one project after another, your hot streak could be just around the corner. Indeed, the only certainty is this: The fate of your career rests largely in your own hands, because one sure way to prevent a hot streak is to stop producing altogether. While it may be true that older people are less likely to break through than their younger counterparts, we found that this is not because age and creativity are intertwined.

You have 1 free article s left this month. You are reading your last free article for this month. Subscribe for unlimited access. Create an account to read 2 more. In around a third of cases, they had two hot streaks. More than two, however, was exceedingly rare.

Hot streaks lasted just under four years for scientists and just over five years for artists and directors. Many think that our best work comes in our 30s and 40s. And the works he created preceded by five years his masterpiece of the horrors of war, Guernica. By providing your email, you agree to the Quartz Privacy Policy.

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