Basically, talent only helps with the learning curve in the first few periods (days/weeks/months) etc. in any given field. Afterwards, what separates the true performers from everybody else is this: dedicated, deliberate practice, explained by the aphorism: practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.

If the idea of thinking about how your learn and deliberately controlling every aspect of your performance while you're performing seems hard, it is. But this is precisely what the greatest do, after thousands and thousands of hours of practice.

The most important point of the book in my opinion, though, is the fact that most people don't have the drive to do this. In order to drive yourself to do this painful practice, you need strong will and desire. How to get that: that remains the mystery.