Hard Work vs Talent

Day 170 / 366

Back in high school, I had a math teacher who I looked up to a lot. Apart from maths, he used to talk to us a lot about life in general as well. He once told me that he is never too stressed about having less time, in a worst-case scenario he would just give up a night’s sleep and get his work done. Even if he was not the most talented out there, he would have the upper hand because he is willing to work 24 hours a day, whereas most would do 12 at max.

This has since been my philosophy in life as well. I was never naturally talented. And people who say that I am will just be doing an injustice to the hard work that I have put in over the years. I know that I have gotten where I am by just working harder, and putting in more hours than anyone else.

Hard work beats talent every time.

I have been involved with the hiring process of each company I have worked with over the past 6–7 years, and I can say for sure that more than talent, the trait that is sought after is grit. People who can work hard and not give up will always have a higher chance of getting hired. And these are the people who excel and get promoted as well.

As long as you are willing to give up your sleep to achieve your dreams, there is no point in giving up. Not a lot of people will do that, and that is how you will beat them.