Practice makes perfect? It’s true.
And it’s not just about the act of practicing. It’s also about the mindset that you have when you practice.
When you have a “practice makes perfect” mindset, you understand that you’re not going to get things right the first time. You’re going to make mistakes. But you also understand that if you keep practicing, you will get better.
In other words, if you want to be successful, then you need to have the mindset of effort. Talent is important, but it’s not everything. Effort is what takes you from good to great.
What are the qualities of effort?
When we put in the effort, we show up fully and completely.
We give it our all, no matter what the circumstance. We don’t give up, no matter how hard things get. We know that it’s not about talent or natural ability; it’s about willingness to keep going, no matter what.
Effort is what allows us to develop our skills and talents. It’s what enables us to surpass others who may be more naturally gifted than we are. And it’s what allows us to reach our goals, no matter how lofty they may be.
How is effort different from talent?
Talent is something that you’re born with — it’s in your DNA.
Effort, on the other hand, is an attempt to master something and can be accessed by everyone.
Talent is finite — you either have it or you don’t. Effort, however, is infinite. You can always put in more effort and get better results. You are in the driver’s seat.
Perceived effort outshines natural talent every time. That’s because effort is necessary to develop skills and is rewarded by life. When you put in the hard work, people can see that you’re trying. They appreciate the effort and are more likely to support and encourage you along the way.
So don’t give up if you don’t think you have enough talent. With sufficient effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
The importance of putting in the effort
While talent is undoubtedly important, it’s not the only thing that determines success.
In fact, oftentimes it’s the people who work the hardest that achieve the most.
Think about all of the successful people you know. I’m sure at least some of them are talented, but I guarantee you that many of them have worked hard to get where they are. And that’s what has set them apart from everyone else.
Talent is a factor, but it’s not everything. The key to success is to outwork your competition and always put in the effort. That’s the only way to make sure you’re doing everything you can to achieve your goals.
How can one cultivate a habit of effort?
Some people are born with a competitive nature.
They’re the ones who are always trying to one-up themselves and those around them. If you’re not naturally competitive, you can cultivate this trait by setting goals for yourself and then striving to meet (or exceed) them.
It’s also important to swap out bad habits for better ones. For example, if you have a habit of watching Netflix for hours on end, try replacing that with a habit of going for a walk or reading for an hour. The key here is to make sure the new habit is something that matters to you; otherwise, it will be tough to stick with it.
In the end, it’s clear that effort is more powerful than talent. With enough effort, talent can be cultivated, and with no talent, effort can still lead to success. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t think you have the aptitude — put in the effort, and see the fruits of your labor.