talent 10%, grit 90%

Talent is so over-rated. 

Leaders and managers continue to tout that they want to hire the best, brightest, and the most promising of all candidates. 

The best seldom accomplishes more than what they think they can. They have limited versions of  themselves that fit their current frame of 'success' and 'achievement' which could be limiting their chances of becoming better than they really are.  

Whereas those that are average are always in the look-out to prove themselves and surprise themselves that they can do way better, with the right attitude and process. 

Grit trumps genius, talent or high IQ (Duckworth: 2016). This is well-documented with the inner city students research that came back that persistence enables them to survive and thrive despite hardships or obstacles. 

In these last three months, I persisted in the absence of positive news. It seemed that it's becoming a futile effort and I have to be preparing for the inevitable. The Plan B and C aren't better than the first option. It would mean more work and more expense on my part. I'm not even prepared to go that route.

Yesterday, a breakthrough came through. I'm happy I persisted. One colleague said, "Good for you, you have the time and talent." 

On both those counts, I don't have enough. But I have grit and it's helping me reach my goals. 


What are you trying to accomplish? Are you the near the end of your rope?

​Hang in there, it's not the time to throw in the towel yet.

​Persist and win. 

Give up and lose. 


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