Hard Work Beats Talent

I recently came across a popular quote on persistence by Calvin Coolidge. Remember him from history class? He was our 30th president.

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

In sports, I’ve heard coaches share a similar sentiment more succinctly:

Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.

I firmly stand by that — hard work and dedication.

Persistence is the most important factor towards success that is within your control (assuming you are on a path worth pursuing and have just enough talent to compete). People will say, “You got lucky,” and they will be right. Odds are, if you stay in the game long enough you will eventually catch a break. What people will not appreciate are the many times when luck was not on your side, but you didn’t give up. They will not appreciate all the obstacles you had to overcome and circumstances that didn’t go your way. But a journey worth pursuing shouldn’t be easy — that’s what makes it rewarding.

Oh, and if you want to quadruple your chances of success, surround yourself with other people committed to the same cause with the same will to do what is required — no matter how hard it gets.