September 21, 2007

  • Talent v. Persistence

    I did a lot of thinking yesterday.  I almost convinced myself to start every single writing project that I have in mind, which is an exact 10, counting the one reserved for future ideas and the one I forced in there just because I wanted an even 10 (so maybe really 8).  I don’t know why I wanted 10, when 9 is actually my favorite number.

     

    I do think a project is a good idea.  Did you know that one can finish any project?  The way to do it is to keep working on it until its finished.

     

    Which brings me to a struggle I’ve been having lately (wait a minute, lately?  More like throughout my life).  That is the struggle between talent and persistence.  What would you rather have?  I think most people would say talent, although I think that success is better served by persistence.  Persistence can reveal even the smallest talent. Persistence serves those even without talent.

     

    Maybe, persistence can be learned while talent can’t, unless you subscribe to the view that everyone has talent (an acting teacher of mine used to say that talent was a dime a dozen).  Would you rather be able to work hard for things that are hard, or would you want it all to come easy, while lacking the fortitude to realize your potential?

     

    Then every once in awhile, like Buster Douglas, you might get it together and prove that you could have been the best, and for one shining moment, surprising all of the world, you were.

     

    I've surprised people before.  It's a great feeling, almost as good as when someone believes in you in the first place (or is it better than that?)

     

     

Comments (5)

  • better than being believed in the first place.

    i think of it as ambition. i have enough of it, but i want more.

  • Kyle - I think that speaks to what motivates persistence, whether it be ambition, or competition or the need to be a part of something (which is where encouragement can play in).  It's worth consideration, what motivates you that is, if you want to be more persistent.

  • I wish I had more talent.....about the only thing I do well is read (history, philosophy) and the talk about what I have read. I see value in what I do.....but I often have to work very hard to market my meager talent. For me, hard work and persistence allow me to compete. I know some really talented lazy people who have grand theories about life (and other things) but never follow through with some type of action.

    I say persistence trumps talent (in a general sense)

    Wherever you are writing leave a trail. I have enjoyed your musings ( The Breast Man)  on your Blog for a number of years and appreciate stopping by to see a new post. I do not know about your other talents, but you have a writing talent that needs to be nurtured......by writing.

    Interesting question though,

    Thanks,

    MB

  • hmmmm... i'd have to say i admire persistence more than talent. i sometimes get a bit down on myself that i don't do enough.... i'm not a do-er. but i also wonder (or perhaps fantasize) if my artworks are actually born in my quiet moments of reflection- when i'm not physically doing anything at all.

    a

  • good point.  That could sometimes be true, also can sometimes be an excuse (as in when waiting for "inspiration" to do anything).  As always, a  balance is ideal.  A duality. 

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