The past was immensely different than the present for various reasons. Before talent was probably enough to succeed in any particular field: born talent, good skills, reach the top and things remained the same for a long period of time. Nowadays, on the other extreme things last much less and skills become obsolete in a relatively short period of time.
As life evolved fast in these past decades, some still fall into the human trap to believe, as it was the case in the past, that innate talent alone was sufficient to succeed. This mentality can be alluring, nonetheless, leading to complacency. While natural talent is a prominent start, it can be deceiving to still believe in that “old idea that talent is enough” and all seems to confirm that this is the tendency for the future.
Unlike the past, in today´s dynamic world there are numerous examples confirming that “talent alone is not enough”: practice through dedication and consistency is what fuels the difference in long-term success. In this fast evolutionary era, you cannot be trapped in the misconception of relying solely on natural abilities. Your current skills are similar to your muscles: they only get bigger and stronger by challenging them and pushing your boundaries. It is as if our current world would be leaving us a powerful message: “challenge life before life challenges you”.
![While talent was sufficient to stand out in the past, nowadays due to constant pressure and improvements is not enough; talent also needs hours of practice to make a difference.](https://youtomic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a-vibrant-and-colorful-watercolor-painting-of-the-g8R3u1-zRheyPjOOMZfaOA-sTt6MB2EQTK-gt_1Np9tag-576x1024.jpeg)
Two types of mindsets: the Fixed Mindset and the Growth Mindset.
Fixed Mindset: individuals believe that their skills and abilities – intelligence, creativity or personality – reached the highest capacity and as such there is not need for improvement. They perceive themselves as unchangeable, avoiding risks or putting effort to learn something new to expand their boundaries. This one was probably more adequate in the past where status quo remained unchanged for a long time and things lasted much longer than in the present. Here, remaining the same was probably more adequate.
Growth Mindset: on the other hand, there are those who believe in constant grow, their mentality is set to see expansion as the way to prosper in life. They think their own skills can be nurtured through effort and experience. Such individuals see setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth, improving and being inspired to continuous learning and practice. Such mindset is more adequate in the present times having constant pressure and competition to be better. Hence, the reason why “change and improvement” is the way to thrive nowadays where stagnation seems to be a gradual decline.
We can look around and see continuous improvements and adaptations taking place, rapidly evolving in this competitive modern era marked by the gigantic expansion of technology. Thus, for the purpose of making a difference in this era continuous learning and refinement as skills and titles become obsolete more rapidly. We are now almost forced to develop a growing mindset if we want to thrive.
Ultimately, focusing on deliberate practice, pushing past comfort zones and welcome challenges is what unlocks the full potential of the individual. We can conclude that consistent effort is required from us should we want to achieve long-term success: consistent dedication, perseverance and energy into the area are key to gain honing skills and building expertise. In the end, it is that willingness to learn and grow, deliberate practice and consistent effort that will play pivotal roles developing mastery.
Do I have a fixed mindset or on the contrary, do I normally focus on learning and growing?
Am I attached to my past victories or I am still expanding my knowledge?
Am I resting on my talent or on the other hand, I am conscious of constant improvement?
May you nurture a mindset of expansion to be in alignment with these modern times.
Youtomic.