Natural Talent vs. Hard Work

Ever wondered why some things that require others to put in truckloads of effort come effortlessly to you? Or certain things which demand all your energies come easy like Sunday morning for others? Or have you ever felt someone who, in your opinion, is equally or significantly less talented than you is way ahead of you? You’re not alone when you’re questioning this.

It has taken me several years of failure, success, joy, and despair to crystallize this theory - each person has attributes that they naturally possess, and some that they need to work hard to conquer. Some things require patience, some struggle. To realize which is which, is winning at life.

Life (or the choices you make) throws at you various circumstances that it believes you are equipped to handle, either by your natural skills or by working hard. I strongly suggest taking a step back to identify which situation you are in when this happens.

The problem is that often times, we’re so used to riding on achievements unlocked because of our natural talent, that when we’re put in a position to work hard, our ego is hurt. We become so used to getting what we want easily, that actually being made to work for it feels like life is wronging us. Let’s face it, who doesn’t like an easy win, right? But that’s what separates the winners from those (very, and sometimes more, talented) people who get left behind — hard, hard work.

We justify our laziness to put in work to ourselves so often — dismissing a person who’s good at something by saying ‘oh he’s a natural. I’d never get there.’ Wouldn’t you? If you wanted to and put in the work?

I’ll let you in on a secret. Natural talent/ skill/intelligence is no substitute for hard work. But hard work can definitely replace natural talent. It’s the answer to why seemingly lesser talented people get ahead. Resilience, persistence, and perseverance probably come naturally to them :)

Let me say it again — There. Is. No. Substitute. For. Hard. Work.

So this is a heads up — there’s only so far your gifts can take you. Beyond a point, and trust me that point will come in some form or the other, you will be tested. And you will have to rise to the occasion and work your a** off!

Don’t work hard at your own risk :)