A few years ago I had a conversation/argument with a lecturer of mine about the talented versus the hard worker. I have no slights in telling you I am made up of the latter far more than those driven with innate ability. Like most, the effort I put in is proportional to what I get out of it while for some, “effort” is a flimsy unrecognisable term who simply do without trying.
Defining oneself as a hard worker
I pride myself on being a realist, particularly when it comes to me. Realistic about my shortcomings and realistic about my potential. But on the same token, does it at times roll into pessimism instead?
A deluded worldview can directly alter your actions and outcomes for better or for worse. But my beliefs about innate talent and my lack thereof was self-imposed. I drew the lines in the sand. I decided that my capabilities can only reach so far.
Limitations
I had let my previous grades influence my expectations rather than the progress I had made and my current standing. Drawing the lines and adhering to it in fear of failure automatically influences the outcome. A self-fulfilling prophecy. There are no lines, there’s only your mindset.
Perception drives reality.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen some of the most talented people fall short, myself included, because of a lack of ethic. At the same time, I think it’s easy to call someone talented, and disregard that they may have worked extremely hard to hone their skills–not relying on anything innate.
Working hard is honestly a skill to hone, at some point hard work is the only way you work. But I agree, I wouldn’t call someone solely talented without knowing them inside out.