The problem with “talent” is it covers the truth: Achievement rarely arrives instantly. It unfolds slowly, through countless hours of focused, unglamorous work. It’s a process, not a predetermined outcome.
In other words, “talent” is not raw ability but rather the willingness to embrace the messy, frustrating, and often downright tedious process of skill development that sets the stage for success.
Consider those we label as “talented” or “gifted.” Their so-called natural ability often stems from one core advantage: they didn’t quit. They persisted through the inevitable awkwardness that comes with being a beginner. They endure those early days of fumbling around, feeling unsure and out of their depth. They chose to stay in the arena of the process.
It’s tempting to say the elite athlete, Grammy nominated music producer, or business mogul was simply born with a gift the rest lack. The reality is, they once struggled with the basics. The process might have looked different, but they’ve logged the hours, faced the setbacks, and hone their skills just like everyone else.
Navigating the Ups and Downs
The path to mastery isn’t a smooth, upward trajectory, a fact we tend to forget in our talent-obsessed culture. We anticipate a straight line, but instead, we encounter plateaus, frustrating regressions, and moments where it feels like we’re not moving forward at all. This is where internal motivation is important.
It’s learning to find satisfaction from the incremental improvements that are often invisible to the outside world – shifting your focus from immediate results to the long game. This is about doing what’s needed to become better than yesterday no matter how small of an improvement. The accumulation of those tiny victories is what ultimately leads to breakthroughs.
The Byproduct of the Process: Resilience
When we focus on the idea of inherent ability, we inadvertently make ourselves fragile. If I believe my only shot at success is to be “special,” then every setback feels like proof of inadequacy. This is a destructive mindset.
The famous quote from Henry Ford is exactly that – “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
By shifting our focus to the process, setbacks transform into valuable data points. Was I as prepared as I should have been? Did I underestimate the task’s difficulty? This sort of analysis leads to adjustments and foster long-term improvement, making us more adaptable and resilient.
Embrace the Grind, Embrace your Abilities
Every master was once a beginner. It’s those who embrace the long hours, stack the small wins, and see setbacks as fuel who continually expand the borders of their potential. The process is where transformation happens; it’s where self-belief grows and determination takes root.
A Guide to Turn The Concept of Process Focused Growth into Tangible Steps to Fuel Your Self-Development Journey
Step 1: Reframe Your Idea of “Talent”
Challenge the Inner Critic: When you see someone excel, your first thought might be, “I could never do that.” Remind yourself that they too started as beginners.
Embrace the Struggle: Embrace those awkward early stages of learning. Beginners have unique advantages – they’re primed for rapid growth and less susceptible to performance plateaus.
Step 2: Charting Your Non-Linear Path
Expect the Unexpected: The path of improvement isn’t a straight shot – plateaus and setbacks are normal. Use them. They’re feedback. What can you learn, refine, and try differently?
Visualize Small Wins: Keep a “Brick by Brick” journal. Even on days when progress feels invisible (because there will be those days), write down one or two small victories. For example, “I trained for 25 minutes even though I was tired after work and didn’t have much sleep, I showed up.” These will remind you of the forward momentum you’re creating.
Step 3: Cultivating Process-Driven Resilience
Ditch the “Fixed Mindset”: The talent-focused thinking leads to a fixed mindset. If you believe your ability is set in stone, setbacks confirm inadequacy. When you prioritize the process, setbacks morph into opportunities to adjust and improve.
Talk to Yourself Like a Coach: This takes a lot of practice, but notice how you talk to yourself after a mistake. Would you say the same thing to a friend? Practice an athletes mindset and identify what you would change for next time.
Step 4: Actively Embrace the Process
Set Process-Focused Goals: Instead of focus on outcomes alone (for example, “run a marathon”), set goals around your actions: “Run 4 times a week, gradually increasing mileage.” This connects the dots from practice to results.
Find Your “GRIT” Triggers: What keeps you going when motivation lacks? External and internal factors in the beginning are fair game. Discover what works for you and as momentum builds, dig to find all of your intrinsic motivators.
Seek a Process-Focused Community: Surround yourself with people who value hard work and embrace the journey of growth, not just the finished product.
Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. True transformation and fulfillment are found in the daily dedication to the process. Each time you choose to show up, refine your approach, and navigate the small setbacks along with the small wins, you’re building what majority call “talent.”