Determination And Grit Are More Important Than Talent

Have you ever wanted to be really good at something?

Like really good?

I have too.

In fact, right now I'm striving for excellence in a few areas.

However, there's a gap isn't there?

There's a time when you're not good yet. Or maybe you're good but you're not excellent. You're not world class.

And, I don't want to stop until I reach that level.

The problem is that when you see those who are world class, do you ever wonder if you could be as good as them?

Even as I say this I acknowledge that we shouldn't compare oureslves to others. Intellectually I know this. But, it's hard isn't it?

We should only compare ourselves to who we were yesterday, or last week, or last year. We shouldn't compare ourselves to someone on a different journey. They might have simply started a few years earlier and that is what has made the difference for them. You never know.

Comparing yourself to others is not a fair or accurate comparison.

But, we do sometimes, don't we? Even when we know better.

And in those moments, I feel small. I feel like I may never reach their levels. I feel like maybe, just maybe they're a difference species and I can't possibly become what they've become.

But, then I step back and I remember that they are human. They are just like you and me. And if they can do it, I certainly can.

I have the determination and grit to do the work, put in the effort, consistently and patiently until I become that person.

And that's my reminder to myself and to you. Determination and grit are way more important than talent will ever be.

If you want to reach excellence in a certain area, set your mind to do that thing. Work at it every single day, even when you don't want to.

And you will come to see that your consistent hard work is what will make you an expert, not talent.

Who you are right now is no indication of who you can become. You choose that.