Why talent is bad for you

There is a great book from Carol Dweck about fixed mindset versus growth mindset.

People with a fixed mindset believe that their talents define what they can and cannot do. In other words, if they are lucky to be talented at something, they can become successful in that area If they’re not, well, then that’s just bad luck and there’s nothing you can do about that.

(I’m paraphrasing here of course).

On the other hand, people with growth mindset believe that what you can or cannot accomplish in life is not defined by your talent but by your diligence. If you do something often enough, practice will always overcome talent.

Why is that?

Because if you believe that your possibilities are ONLY defined by what is given to you at birth, you are in fact prohibiting growth. If your talent goes only so far, then that’s it. That’s all the accomplishment you will ever have.

Whereas, if you believe in growth, you don’t care about your talents. What you DO care about is defining your goals and keep making steps towards them.

Relentlessly.

Only then will you discover how much potential you really have.

What helps discovering your potential: