How does X make his presentations so much more persuasive than yours?
Why does Y always seem to have that flash of inspiration that results in beautiful code?
And, while we’re at it, how does Z’s kid beat mine 6–0 every time they play tennis? Hmph!
It comes down to just four words — Talent, Skill, Work and Will
(Spoiler alert, you have it too!)
Talent: Our innate, god-given/genetic ability. You just have to work with what you have, or pivot to where you can excel
Skill: These are the techniques that help us wield that talent, gifted by our teachers, coaches, managers — things like the fundamentals of communication, coding syntax & best practices or how to top-spin the ball. In addition, we need the ability to re-learn in a changing world
Work: This is the effort we put into bettering our Skills. All the hours of drills, GitHub searches and presentation dry-runs that actually help us achieve the promise that Talent and Technique enable. This is the 99% perspiration that realizes the 1% inspiration
Will: Finally, we are defined by our attitude. Do we have the mindset of a champion or an also-ran? Do we always give our best or settle for just OK? Re-doing that deck for the perfect storyline, re-writing the code in search of the perfect algorithm; stretching for the shot even though you’re down 5 to 0 — these are the hallmarks of a winner.
That’s it. Just four words.
But together they unleash limitless potential.
Your colleague may be a prodigy. But that’s it.
You can be like them. Nay, better.
Just commit to your craft. Find your groove. Skill up, work hard and don’t settle.
So others can ask:
What do you have that they don’t?
