Too many people get hung up on the word talent, like it’s a curse if they don’t have the “talent” to do something. So they’ll give up on their passions, whether it be a sport, a form of art, or a musical instrument.
So and so is more talented and it’s so much easier for that person. You know what? So what?
What matters is do you enjoy that particular passion? If so, then do it!
Natural talent only means that the talented lady or fellow requires 5% to 10% less work than the average Jane or Joe. It doesn’t mean that the naturally talented can sneeze and suddenly become the greatest artist ever. They still have to do the work.
In fact, in real life, I’ve often seen talent as a curse.
I know people in real life whose natural talents are superior to my own, but they’ve already quit because it was “too easy.” Their words, not mine.
Then in a few years, lo and behold, I pass them up. They barely spent any time at it while I spent hours daily getting better and learning from everyone I could.
Music and art are the same concept
In the late 80s and early 90s, I was a Speed Metal guitarist. We never got signed because we never had a decent singer. And like it or not, it’s the singer who’s the most important member of the band.
But regardless, that’s not what this is about.
It’s about being good at what you do.
I started guitar late. I didn’t get a guitar until I almost turned 18. Which is old because so many kids in my generation played music much younger.
But I put in the time. Every chance I got, I’d practice guitar.
Within only two years, I was doing circles around people who played for four or five years. It’s simply because it’s not the years, it’s the hours.
Someone who practices for one hour a day for five years will be outpaced by someone who practices six hours a day for one year.
Now talent means that you have to put in 5% to 10% less work. So you can factor that in too.
I do not have musical talent. I know this from experience.
I was in orchestra as a kid and was literally the worst person in the orchestra. Then I quit.
These concepts apply to art too, whether you’re doing drawing, cartooning, watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, or whatever. You put the time in and you’ll get to decide just how good you’ll become.
10,000 hours
There’s an old saying that if you put 10,000 hours into anything, you’ll be good at it. I’m not exactly the best at math, so let’s just say talent = 10% less to make the math easy on me.
So that means a talented fellow or lady only has to put in 9,000 hours.
Meanwhile, you put in 12,000 hours. Who do you think will be better?
That’s right – you.
Have a daily routine. Have a solid work ethic. Be persistent. And you will become good at whatever you want to be good at.
My morning routine simply consists of a chapter of the Bible, Romanian lessons (I’m trying to be trilingual), and gesture drawings to get my brain warmed up.
Yes, even after being an artist for years now, I still practice gesture drawings every single day.
And finally, don’t get discouraged. Your mindset is very important. Keeping a persistent work ethic and a positive mindset will eventually get you want you need.
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