When talking about sports champions and attributing their success to innate talent, a reassuring illusion is created. This allows us to justify the gap between them and ourselves by attributing their success to something beyond our learning abilities. Essentially, we tell ourselves that they were lucky to be born with a special talent that we lack.
This mindset can have dual effects. On one hand, it may relieve pressure as we attribute the success of these champions to something beyond our control. On the other hand, it can discourage effort and practice, as we are convinced that talent is the determining factor, and if we don’t have it naturally, then it’s futile to try.
I think our culture tends to celebrate talent because it’s flashy and often comes across as innate or effortlessly acquired. It’s like witnessing someone pull a rabbit out of a hat—you’re more likely to be amazed by the trick than the hours of practice it took to master it.
On the other hand, skills that can be learned and developed over time might not have that instant “wow” factor. We live in a society that values quick results and instant gratification, so the gradual process of skill acquisition can be overlooked.
It’s also possible that celebrating talent fits into the narrative of natural giftedness and reinforces the idea of certain individuals being destined for greatness. This can create a mindset that either you have it or you don’t, which might discourage people from putting in the effort to learn and improve.
However, the truth is, with dedication and practice, anyone can become proficient or even excel in various skills. It’s essential to recognize and appreciate the hard work behind the scenes, not just the end result. After all, there’s a unique kind of talent in the tenacity and perseverance it takes to become good at something.
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