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The Myth of Innate Talent
The most common explanation for success, especially someone else's, is a natural gift, talent, or innate giftedness. This explanation has one pleasant property: it helps us come to terms with the success of others and the level we ourselves have. It also deprives us of any hope of conquering a professional Everest. After all, if the gift is not given from above, it's not worth trying.
This theory was strong many centuries ago, in the time of Homer. Even today, humanity is confident that successful people came into this world with an already-ready talent, passed down by God or nature. This explanation of brilliant achievements directly contradicts the theory of hard work, but sounds much more convincing. It seems that others were simply incredibly lucky.
American journalist Jeff Colvin suggests rethinking the role of innate talents, emphasizing the fact that "talents themselves are much less significant than we are used to thinking". Success is not created by innate abilities; the main things are perseverance and hard work.
Talent is Not Important: Lessons from Psychologists
In 1992, a small group of English researchers set out to search for talent. And they didn't find it. The research, as written by Colvin, found that people with a low IQ work brilliantly, while those with a high IQ sometimes do not go beyond mediocrity.
Recall that everyone has an acquaintance who was "flying high" in delight at their own significance and giftedness but did not put in even minimal effort into their work. Talents often do not reach the finish line, despite how beautifully they start.
Instead, those who become successful are people who:
- Do not shine with genius, but are pleasant to deal with.
- What they lacked in talent, they compensate for with hard work, ambition, good schooling, and experience.
Such people are more likely to become successful and conscious.
The Darwin Story: Proof of the Power of Effort
A striking example is the story of Charles Darwin—the founder of the theory of evolution—and his cousin, Francis Galton.
Francis Galton displayed incredible giftedness from childhood: he knew the alphabet at one and a half years old, read at two and a half years old, and wrote at three years old. He was surrounded by enthusiastic admirers and was prophesied a remarkable future.
Charles Darwin, conversely, caused everyone to give up on him, as observers found a complete lack of ability. He was constantly distracted by studying chemistry, geology, and insects. University was simply boring for him. Later, he did engage in studying the things that truly interested him, and thanks to which he is still known.
Question: What have you ever heard about Francis Galton?. Exactly! Not innate talent, but deep interest and perseverance changed history.
Perseverance and Effort: The Path to Mastery
The reality is this: if you want to be good at something, you need to do it constantly and diligently.
- To learn to swim — you need to jump in the pool.
- To learn to drive a car — you need to drive a car.
Therefore, if you have the desire, ambition, readiness for hard work, and the willingness to learn and hone your skills, you are on the right track. Abilities themselves are certainly important (you won't become an opera prima if you are completely tone-deaf), but learning to sing in tune is entirely possible.
But "talents that are inspired by God" very often fade very quickly. Excessive confidence, soaring in the clouds, unwillingness to accept failure, and apathy lead to complete unrealization.
Cultivate gratitude for every step and develop the mindfulness that strengthens your perseverance.
Learn more about personal growth and mindfulness:
- Steps of Gratitude Journal: Steps of Gratitude Journal
- "Acceptance Through Gratitude" Workbook: Acceptance Through Gratitude Workbook