Talent Isn’t What You Think It Is

It’s been a long day—back-to-back meetings and non-stop calls. I finally get home and sit beside my son, who’s back for his semester break, watching an IPL match. He’s into it. I’m not(that much).

I pick up my phone and start scrolling. The first video that pops up? A snippet from a commencement speech by Roger Federer, where he shares his perspective on talent.

Most people think talent is a natural gift. But that’s just one kind.

Federer says that grit can be considered a form of talent, as can discipline and patience. Trusting yourself is a talent, too, as well as embracing the process and enjoying the grind. Even the ability to manage your emotions and remain composed under pressure is a form of talent.

While some people may be born with certain talents, everyone can work to develop them.

The bottom line is that we can all strive to become talented at something; we don’t necessarily have to be born with it.