“Do the work, every day, you have to do something you don’t want to do. Every day, challenge yourself to be uncomfortable, push past the apathy, laziness, and fear.”
― Tim S. Grover
Do the Necessary Work
Growing up, I never liked writing or reading. Reflecting back, the main reason for those negative feelings was because of my lack of interest in the topics taught in school.
But now, I love to read and write. It’s an important part of my growth journey.
By reading books on subjects that fascinate me, I learn the necessary application knowledge to improve myself. In addition, I absorb different writing styles from various types of authors.
In order to become a better writer, I must put in the work by consistently writing.
There’s no other way around it.
I make it a strong habit to write daily, no matter how low or high my word count is. By making writing a constant practice, I train my brain to think and be creative.
Even on days when I don’t have access to a computer, I would write with a pen and a piece of paper.
By improving my writing skills, I can communicate more effectively to you the reader. Over the past year, I have become a better author because of the persistent implementation of my skill.
Looking back at some of my earlier work, I cringe because of the mistakes I would see in those articles.
This is a sign of growth and progress.
However, if I don’t see many problems with my previous essays, then I haven’t been improving as a writer.
As I look back in the future, I hope this post will cause me the same level (or more) of recoil due to the amount of enhancement I can make.
Again, that can only if I continually do the necessary work by mastering my craft of writing.
Most Skills Are Learnable
When it comes to raw talent, some believe it is innate – a skill you are born with.
I strongly disagree.
Yes. There are certain inherent traits or genetics that others naturally have. This may include their proficiency to improve or adapt to any environment. As a result, they may have a shorter learning curve and grow at a much faster rate.
However, despite not having that “natural” attribute, one can learn to acquire it.
Even learning how to grasp a certain skill is an ability that can be trained. It starts with an intense focus on what you’re trying to achieve.
The following step then becomes the most difficult – doing the actual work.
Take health as an example. If you want to improve your body and mind, you must take consistent and appropriate action to strengthen your muscles and build your mental fortitude.
Even though you may not have the best genetics, you can still create the most amazing physique you can possibly have. In addition, you can cultivate strong discipline by continuously practicing positive habits.
As for your relationships, you can first learn to understand what creates powerful connections. Then, implement what you have obtained through continuous action.
Only by spending time with those you love and care about, you can start to develop deep and meaningful bonds.
You don’t need to have that instinctive ability to be charismatic. Instead, you can develop that skill through deliberate training.
Continuous Dedication and Concentrated Practice
Most of the natural talents we see in the world are mere skills that have developed through years and years of practice, whether intentional or not.
Let’s take a look at Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time with 23 gold medals.
But how did he become so successful?
To deconstruct his winning formula, we must dig into his past. At age seven, Phelps started swimming. His initial reason was simply to learn how to swim.[1] What was first a necessity became a passion as he continued to rehearse his craft.
At age ten, he held a national record in his age group for the 100-meter butterfly. Later, he went on to qualify for the 2000 summer Olympics at age 15, the youngest male to make the Olympic swim team in 68 years. Although not winning any medals, he finished fifth in the finals for the 200-meter butterfly.
As his swimming career progressed, Phelps thrived breaking many world records while receiving many medals along the way with his last Olympic appearance in 2016.
The reason for his undeniable success is his unwavering dedication and discipline to follow a strict regimen to become the best swimmer in the world. Unfortunately, we only see his achievement. But we don’t hear about his rigorous training sessions in the pool when it’s not during the Olympic season.
In addition, having a powerful coach (Bob Bowman) by his side since age eleven has helped improve Michael Phelps’ swimming skills immensely. He said, “Training with Bob is the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’m not going to swim for anyone else.”
To truly identify others’ innate talent, you must go back far enough in time. Only by doing so, you’ll learn that their natural abilities were forged through years of intense practice.
Therefore, if you want to become a master at any craft, you must also dedicate time and effort to sharpen your saw.
Closing Thoughts
Most skills in life are learnable. With that in mind, you can be proficient at almost anything.
The trick is this:
Do the work and commit yourself to your goals.
There’s no shortcut or overnight success. If you want it, then you must put in the effort.
It’s simple as that. You already have what it takes to become your best and create anything you want.
The question is:
“Are you willing to prioritize and do what is most important to you?”
Your actions always depict your precedence. Eliminate distractions and do what your heart truly wants.
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Footnote Reference:
[1]Michael Phelps. (2018, February 23). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps
