talent vs practice

When I am knitting in a meeting, or anywhere people can see me, I hear “Oh, you are so talented!” That is not true. When I started knitting, I was terrible! But I never gave up and I have practiced and practiced. Talent and practice represent two distinct but interconnected concepts in the development of skills and abilities.

Talent is often seen as a natural, innate aptitude or a set of abilities that an individual is born with. It can provide a strong foundation and a natural inclination towards certain activities, making the initial learning process quicker or more intuitive.

Practice is the act of repeatedly performing or exercising a skill to improve proficiency. It’s grounded in the belief that consistent, deliberate effort can significantly enhance one’s abilities, even in areas where they may not have inherent talent.

Practice is crucial for the development and refinement of skills. It is through practice that individuals can achieve mastery, regardless of their starting level of talent.

Don’t give up.

Published by Martha

Librarian and PhD student.

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