Talent Vs. Determination / Lazy Vs. Proactive

I've been thinking about the concepts of natural talent versus those who work hard to develop a skill since I completed my 5k race.   I thought of this notion because I recently trained for about three months to jog the 3.1 mile route without keeling over. 

Now, three miles may seem like a walk in the park for some folks but I promise you, it's not easy for me!   It wasn't cushy for me even on the day of the race either. 

Nope, I actually had to (gasp!) practice running and walking for weeks in order to feel strong enough to complete the race.  My biggest problem is my breathing.  I struggle with the consistent breathing that is needed to go the distance.  I have spent most of my life doing short intervals of physical activities -- dancing routines, aerobic workouts, etc.  When I performed as a synchronized swimmer for four years as a child, I was taught to hold my breath in fact.  Therefore, just breathing regularly in the same manner for over five minutes proves to be the biggest challenge for me. 

But with continual practice, focus and determination, I did it.  I can do it.  I'm not talented when it comes to jogging or running.  I'm quite sure that my form and my feet aren't even in the correct position.  Yet I keep trying and I keep going.   I bet I could do a 10k or a half-marathon if I wanted to as well.  I'm not saying I will!  But if I put my mind to it, I know I could do it.

Some people, like former Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens, are just born with that natural gift of being a fast runner and talented athlete.  Although they practice, they don't have to work as hard or push themselves the way that normal folks like me do.  I always wondered what it must be like to have that kind of natural ability that some are blessed to have.

I don't think I have a "natural" talent for anything except for maybe being a goofball or seeing the humor in daily life.  Writing comes easily to me but I still practice it.  And when I go days, weeks, or months without doing it, I can tell that I'm rusty.  Some people have called me a good dancer back in my younger days.  But I practiced that too.  If I had to freestyle it today, I'm sure I'd look like a huge dork since I'm used to more of a routine or structured type of movement.

But that makes me wonder.... if we really want to do something, be it running a race, climbing Mt. Everest or whatever?  If we really challenge ourselves and practice a skill over and over again, will we get better at it?  I say "Yes."  If you have true determination and will power, you will see improvements in your skills (and more importantly, in your attitude) toward a particular thing. 

A few years ago, I wouldn't call myself a very good cook or baker.  I did okay.  I managed.  But now I'm pretty damn good.  Every time we host events at the house, I receive compliments on a dish or dessert I create.  Even my dad, who is a picky eater, was asking me for the recipe of my spaghetti pie over the weekend.  Then he remarked how he doesn't normally eat mac-n-cheese but that he liked my version of it.  Guess what? I've been practicing.  I've been cooking a lot lately.  I've had some great success with it but I still fail from time to time (or choose a bad recipe, I should say...)  But I believe the more you practice, generally speaking, the better you become at something.

That can be the biggest challenge too - the practicing.  The repetition.  Over and over.  Day in and day out.  It can drive you crazy!  So it better be something you really want to do or achieve.  Or something you don't have a choice over (like working for a living).

I just finished reading my friend Crystal's wonderful blog post regarding standing at attention.  She has wonderful stories and insights.  I loved her most recent comments regarding taking a stand -- stop making excuses and do something with your life.  She was speaking toward all facets: jobs, relationships, goals, etc.   Crystal, you are so right!  I've been thinking about this a lot recently.

Could everyone do it? I say "No." Because many humans are just lazy and will always find a reason why they can't make it happen.  I hear a lot of folks complain about a dead end job, being overweight, being stuck in a loveless relationship or whatever the case may be.  Then I hear these same folks tell their same vent stories again a few weeks or months later.  What have they done to change their situation?  Nothing!  Sure we all have bad days and it's healthy to gripe about the grind.  But after awhile, it gets old.  I grow tired of hearing myself complain so I certainly don't feel like listening to others vent all the time. 

What makes some folks lazy and others proactive?  Are you born with the desire to do more?  Is it genetic?  Do some people just want to help themselves while others wait for fellow mankind to help them or tell them what to do? 

My friend B and I just had a discussion days ago regarding doer type folks versus helpless people.  We have both seen first hand that some people only work under direction while a handful of others lead the pack.  In society, I know you need both groups.  I mean, not everyone can be a leader?  But what is it about certain humans that have an innate capability to go above and beyond the idle way of life? 

A simple example of this is two women asking for directions.  I witnessed this recently while out running errands.  One lady asked how to get to a destination, needing lots of details and assistance.  The other gal said she just needed the address and could look up directions on her own using her GPS and the internet.   One person needed someone to guide her and the other person took the lead on her own.  Neither person is right or wrong in how they operate.

I never considered myself a leader but in recent years and months, I think I've stepped it up a notch.  I'm no longer on the sidelines waiting for things to happen.  I'm determining what I want to do and achieve and finding a way to do it.  I'm being self-motivated when it comes to my happiness and leading a more productive life.  Since doing this, I've felt more fulfilled and had more energy than I've had in years! 

Why do I do it?  Why do I challenge myself?  Honestly, it's hard to explain. I just feel compelled to be this way.  Why did Rudy want to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team so badly?  Something deep within us both pushes us to go above and beyond.

For me, one of the worst qualities to have is being stagnant.  I don't ever want to be complacent.  I've settled before and I don't like going down that path.  I want more.  I will do more and work harder.  I may not have the natural talent but I have the drive to develop myself into a talented individual.  I will be proactive and not lazy.

How would you describe your personality and drive?  Do you settle or do you strive for more?