Some people think that you can achieve anything through hard work. Others believe that you should only do what you are naturally gifted at. So which is more important to be successful: natural talent or a good work ethic? This is the question I asked when interviewing ten people for this blog post.
Almost all of the answers were a good work ethic is more necessary. However, the interviewees think this due to different reasons. One answered, “Hard work because natural talent would not be beneficial in the long run.” This respondent believes that natural talent eventually runs out. In order to be successful for a longer period of time, you need to have a good work ethic. One other respondent chose to explain her answer through giving an example. She responded by saying, “People who are less intelligent but more dedicated at school often out perform students who are more intelligent but not as dedicated.” This an example that can also be applied outside of school in the workforce or even in sports. Many times the drive of determination beats natural talent. Another respondent who also thinks this explained his answer by saying, “ Hard work because you can overcome a lot with hard work where natural talent will come up short if you don’t put the effort in.” Many times with natural talent, you do not have the drive necessary to get over a bump in the road that might appear. On the other hand, people with a good work ethic and not as much talent are used to overcoming the bumps in the road.
None of the respondents answered natural talent. However, a few think that a mixture of both is necessary. One of these respondents said, “I think hard work and talent are basically always necessary to be one of the best at something.” This interviewee believes that the two go hand-in-hand in order to be successful. Whenever you want to do well at something, you need to evaluate whether or not you have enough drive and talent to do so. The other respondent who also agreed with this explained her answer by saying, “Talent takes effort to refine and perfect”. She thinks that natural talent actually involves hard work. In order to be truly talented, you also have to have the drive and the good work ethic to get there.
Overall, we shouldn’t be so quick to doubt our ability to do something. Even people with natural talent struggle to believe in themselves. However, we shouldn’t be so quick to think we can do anything we put our minds to. The reality of life is that some people are just going to be naturally better at some things than the people who work even harder. Therefore, I think we should search to accomplish things in life in areas that we are already a little talented at but still are challenging. So, what challenge can you look to next?
Amy's Questions 