There are two instances that could happen when we are born in this world; either being born a prodigy/talented or being born ordinary. What’s the difference?

Being born as a prodigy means you are naturally born with a certain talent. You may be born with excellent math skills, you may be a music prodigy, a sports prodigy, and the like. While, being born ordinary is like starting at level 1, whereas the prodigy starts at level 10 in terms of natural talent.

However, don’t get me wrong, the sole purpose of this article isn’t to discourage and say that those who start at level 1 are hopeless.

CAN HARD WORK BEAT TALENT?

The short answer is yes, but there’s more at the bottom of the iceberg than meets the eye.

It is given that having a natural born talent gives you a head start among others. They may do some activities easily as if they are merely acting on instincts. But still, in order to manifest that talent to full potential, they still need to work hard to make it bloom.

On the other hand, those who start at level 1 need to work twice as much. Yes, they may not have the advantages that the prodigy may have, but the satisfaction of knowing that each day you work hard, you’re surpassing yourself from day 1, is what makes it more fruitful. With determination and perseverance and constantly wanting to improve, anything becomes possible.

“Talent is used to things being easy and skill counts on things going smoothly.”

- Ed Latimore

If we’re talking about reality, nothing on earth will run smoothly. What happens then if someone solely rely on their talents? The willingness to suffer and face setbacks are the ones who are prepared for the rough ride. Knowing the feeling of the need to start from scratch or start at the very bottom is what gives you grit to face roadblocks and continue to push forward until the desired outcome is achieved.

You don’t need to be a prodigy at math to solve problems. You don’t need to be a prodigy to join a PRO sports team. You don’t need to be a prodigy to excel at something. Your hard work can do that. Make “hard work” your talent.

Talent might be a hidden card or a wild card, but working hard is what propels you to do something bigger and greater. So, don’t be discouraged if you start at level 1. Don’t be discouraged if you fail, just take it as a hard-earned lesson and try again.

One last thing, never compare your progress to others. Just focus on your abilities and hone it, polish it and make it as if you are naturally born with it.

As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, so, having a head start or not, one must work hard for it, one must suffer for it, and one must learn from failures until you achieve your goals.