“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” ― Stephen King
“Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work.” – Michael Jordan
When my oldest Son was in High School, he played football and baseball at a large High School in Kentucky. The school’s athletic program was well know and they had some great talent. I recall one young man who was simply a stud of an athlete. He played running back and was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Several Division 1 universities were recruiting him. They loved his talent. He accepted a great offer from a great college. I kept up with him, and was excited for his great opportunity. He played very little, and by the end of his college career, he was a virtual unknown.
The truth is that talent is never enough, and can sometimes be a limiting gift. This is true, by the way, regardless of what the talent is. Early on talent allows you to be better than others with less talent. After a while, though, without discipline and a great work ethic, talent will no longer make you the winner. Developing your talent and maximizing your potential requires hard work, sacrifice, help from others, consistency, and…well, you get the picture.
When a person has talent, it is not unusual for him/her to ride that talent, and not develop those life disciplines that are required in the long haul. Those who honor their talent, by working, improving, adapting, and growing, they are the ones remembered for greatness. Look at Michael Jordan. He had great talent, and he also had a great work ethic. As he got older some of his natural ability began to fade. So, he found other ways to play the game. Ways that were more compatible with his older, slower, and less responsive body! This work allowed him to continue to be one of the all-time greatest basketball players.
You may not have athletic ability, your talent my be your intelligence, your musical ability, your gift of being comfortable speaking to large audiences, etc. Here’s a tip: Don’t get lazy and take short cuts, because they will eventually catch up with you. Do the work and you will be able to enjoy your talent more, and you will be able to make a difference in the lives of more people.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I would invite you to subscribe below.
Mak your’s a great day!