Talent Is Overrated—Here’s What Actually Wins

One of the best personal development lessons I’ve ever learned was the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. The best example I know of is the idea that you have to have natural talent to do art. It’s easy to say ‘I wasn’t born with that talent’ and never try something seriously.

Lots of studies have shown that with hard work, you can get better at anything regardless of talent. That’s not to say that some people won’t have an edge, but nothing beats hard work.

Even people with innate abilities who have a fixed mindset never reach their full potential. They may feel they don’t have to work hard and end up relying on their talent. On the flip side, people with the same talents that apply a growth mindset end up being world-class at their thing.

Regardless of whether you feel like you were born with a certain talent, you can absolutely get good at something if you really apply yourself.

— Bus

PS If you want to dive deeper into this subject here are a couple book recommendations:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How.