Talent is overrated, while effort is under emphasized and valued. Is there any reason to believe this bold statement?
Itzhak Perlman is one of the finest violinist of this century. A few years ago Mr. Perlman agreed to attend a charity reception after one of his concerts in Vienna. Each guest paid $500 for the opportunity to meet the great violinist.
At the reception, Perlman patiently greeted each of the guests. One man shook the masters hand and with great enthusiasm said, “Mr. Perlman you were phenomenal tonight. Absolutely amazing!” Perlman remained attentive as the man continued…”All my life I have had a great love of the violin, but I have never heard anyone play the violin as brilliantly as you did tonight. You know Mr. Perlman, I would give my whole life to be able to play the violin like you did tonight.”
A smile came to Itzhak Perlman’s face, he looked at the man and said, “Sir, I have given my life!”
Perlman has spent a lifetime cultivating his talent, and improving his craft.
When you witness a spectacular performance or success are you more likely to revel in the talent or think about the effort that went into making it happen?
“You must do things you cannot do. It strengthens character, builds courage and strength, confidence and belief”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
While Perlman’s talent is unmistakable it is the pursuit of developing his talent that makes his success so noteworthy and observable. Dr. Carol Dweck one of the preeminent social scientists in the world would classify Perlman as someone who possesses a growth mindset.
Mindsets reflect our beliefs about our most basic qualities - intelligence, talent, ability, and personality. Dr. Dweck is one of the preeminent research experts on achievement and success. She has found that while talent is good, it is not the cornerstone of great achievement - mindset is the key.
People with a growth mindset believe they can improve and develop their basic qualities through practice, effort, experience, and coaching. While people with a fixed mindset believe their basic qualities are fixed traits that define their potential and limitations. What is your mindset tendency?
Characteristics of a fixed mindset.
- React defensively to mistakes, failures, and shortcomings.
- Offer up excuses to explain or rationalize a performance or outcome.
- Focus solely on outcomes and scorecards rather than the process.
- Are concerned with how you look.
- Perform within a predictable comfort zone and avoid venturing out of it.
Characteristics of growth mindset.
- Take risks to explore new learning and development.
- Consistently look for ways to improve what you are doing.
- Look at challenges as exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
- Not be threatened or concerned about making a mistake because you don’t think about how you will look or be perceived if you make a mistake or fail in the process.
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”
- Abraham Lincoln
Dweck’s research has incredible implications for parents, teachers, coaches, and leaders. Here are four strategies for cultivating and developing a growth mindset.
- Focus on the process and reward effort and persistence.
- Expect challenges and difficulties along the way in order to build your resiliency.
- Develop new strategies to solve problems and address challenges.
- Don’t let anything rob your passion and drive to get things done. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and push you. You don’t need someone to tell you are talented and wonderful - you need someone to push you to press on.
“For people who are really talented, what you don't say becomes extremely important. You have to judge what to say and what to leave alone so you can let the talent develop.”
—Itzhak Perlman
What do you think? Have you ever thought talent was overrated?