Mozart and Beethoven were not talented; they developed their talent with time and practice. Each started playing when they could still walk under the table. They practiced every single day for at least 6 hours.
It may be true that children are more perceptive and learn more quickly, but let me ask you this:
What is the last thing to which you dedicated six hours each day for a long period of time?
Choose Your Thing and Stick with It
It’s never too late to pick something up and start developing skills. Give that thing some consideration. When you figure out what you really want to devote your time to, stick with it. That means you strive to do it every single day.
No excuses like “I don’t have time.” Find the time to commit, if you are determined to achieve an unremitting success. When that ferociously-motivating adrenaline kicks in, you won’t be looking for excuses anymore. On the contrary, you will find yourself acquiring more and more energy. You will find yourself becoming addicted. You will even find yourself talking others into doing the same.
That is how we grow exponentially–by surrounding ourselves and uniting with like-minded individuals who rebel against the status quo and refuse to pay the “public opinion” tax.
My Personal Story
I quit my well-paid occupation for the government some years ago without a set plan up my freedom-seeking sleeves. “Premature move!” most of my friends and family believed. Influenced by their opinions and advice, I started vacillating between job interviews with no set goal besides having a job.
I decided I would travel to China–to clear my mind, explore new horizons, and salivate over scrumptious delicacies. I did! After I came back, I was so fascinated with the Middle Kingdom that I decided to craft a website, write about my escapades across the globe, and chit-chat with readers. Most importantly, I decided to use my new site as a portfolio when applying for copywriting jobs.
I uploaded thousands of photos to Facebook, each with a caption in different languages (Bulgarian, English, and French, among others).
After receiving positive feedback from my followers, I realized I am adept at writing. I filled my blog with several thoughtful articles packed with tips. Then I started applying for freelance jobs in copywriting. Whenever I was asked for a sample text or portfolio, I’d forward employers to my website.
It worked. Big time.
The best part was that I did it irrespective of the lack of support from my friends and family. In the meantime, I continued to write. Every single day.
Talent is Overrated
There are few things an individual is not capable of achieving. For some, it will be more challenging than for others. It might even hurt at the outset. With regular practice and the frequent fueling of motivation, you will get there.
You will pride yourself on having questioned the overrated “He is so talented.”
To me, there’s no better feeling than that.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
Congrats, Svet! It’s cool to hear your story. “He is so talented” rings a bell since I heard it a lot about my art, but never bought it. Instead I thought:
Step 1: Try.
Sep 2: Keep going.
Thanks very much, Curtiss!
It does ring a bell, doesn’t it? Don’t buy it as it will cost you more in the long run! <3
I wonder if genetics are considered a talent. You can spend 12 hours a day training basketball, but if you are 1.60m tall your pro-player career is doomed.
Well, that’s a tough one, but it’s still doable. He will just have to jump a bit higher than others 🙂
Have you ever heard of Muggsey Bogues? Talking of basketball, this guy was a key player mostly for Charlotte Hornets and his height is exactly 1.60m but that didn’t stop him, even more, he used his size against his opponents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOGj8qM6hQ0
Your article makes me want to open a special time continuum where people can experiment and find what they really enjoy doing. Maybe the problem is that too many are convinced learning new things and building new habits are processes that finish the day of university graduation.
Thank you for sharing this, now I’m heading to my blank pages waiting to be filled with new stories. Keep up the fascinating work!
You are painfully right about people who just step out of school/college/university and they completely ditch books and learning.
However, that’s when the big acquiring of knowledge really starts.
Thanks for commenting, Kate, I look forward to your mesmerizing creations!