At least that’s what people say when they want to downplay the gap between where they are and where they could be.

But the truth is – talent exists. It’s real. It gives you a head start.

What people get wrong is thinking talent is enough.

It’s not.

Talent without discipline is wasted potential.
Talent without consistency is invisible.
Talent without courage never gets tested.

The real game is simple:
Use what you’ve been given – and then outwork everyone who has the same.

Because in the long run, talent doesn’t win.

Talent that is used, sharpened, and pushed daily – does.

I met so many people during my athletic career that were not talented, but hardworking. It was almost miserable observing some of those coming in day in and day out, pushing hard and trying to get the best out of themselves.

Needless to say, I witnessed some of them become top athletes in the world. It took them years, but they made it.

So can you!

We speak of talent like it is scarce, but the reality is that it is everywhere. So many people are capable of doing amazing things, so many people are talented… Yet, when it comes to it, how many are really utilizing their talents to their full potential?

You, my dear reader, should be one of those who does. Use your talents by putting in the hard work.

Talent, when observed for what it is and when it is allowed to function in our lives, will find its path — it will find its way to manifest. When it does, it is your duty to see it, seize it, and utilize it.

We are all talented in something. Once you find what it is, let it shine.

I was a super talented rower as a kid and got to train with a senior team already as a 14-year-old. This meant I was supposed to do training with them and it implied going to this specific hardcore ex-boxer coach for the weightlifting workouts once a week.

My first week, I showed up all pumped that I would get to be coached by this old-school, hardcore coach. I got there and he looked at me when I arrived and said: “Who the hell are you?”

I was struck, speechless. My coach at the time was also there and started explaining who I was, saying that I was the young rising star. That I was talented.

The old gym coach got mad right away and screamed at me to get the hell out of his gym. I was even more confused, stuck not knowing what to do.

Then he spoke again: “I do not coach talented athletes. I coach only hard-working ones! Kid, only because you are already here, you will get one workout to show what you are made of.”

Needless to say, I did the hardest gym session of my life.

I was allowed to come back and be coached by him.