It is a mistake to define “talent” only in terms of performance rather than potential…
Performance is easy to see, but seeing potential takes love and commitment. Perhaps that is why “talent” seems so rare.
It is a mistake to define “talent” only in terms of inherited predispositions rather than the capacity to learn. Most talents are latent, waiting to be discovered and unleashed, given the opportunity and right kind of support.
It is a mistake to define “talent” only in terms of narrowly-defined capabilities rather than a view of the whole person. What, for example, is the fruit of categorizing people based on an IQ test?
It is a mistake to define “talent” only in terms of observable skills rather than character traits. Why are curiosity, enthusiasm, industry, sensitivity, passion, empathy, discipline, courage, perseverance, honesty, kindness, compassion, and optimism not considered talents?
It is a mistake to use the word “talent” to discount or diminish the hard-won accomplishments of successful people.
And it is a mistake to use one’s supposed lack of “talent” as a crutch in order to justify one’s lack of accomplishments.