Range shows that having a broad spectrum of skills and interests, and taking your time to figure them out, is better than specializing in just one area.

In today's cut-throat world, there's a lot of pressure to succeed.

For a lot of people, getting ahead means making sure you get a head start and specialize early.

If you want to be the next Tiger Woods, you'd better start playing golf at age four.

Honing in on golf at an early age worked for Woods. But if you look at the research, generalizing rather than specializing will prime you for the greatest success.

The advantage that comes from being a generalist is that you can build more connections in different fields.

Granted, it might take longer to find your calling in life this way, but you'll become more innovative and creative.

In David Epstein's book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, he shares examples from pros in every field, from sports to science, and explains why cultivating a large range of skills will ultimately make you more successful.

Rather than go with the fashionable choice of choosing your specialty early on, Epstein encourages you to take your time, and allow for more flexibility and creativity.