A view on talent is that it is something one has or doesn’t have. Using the available talent is often supposed to be the way to go. It’s the idea that talent is the road to success.

But it’s overrated.

Those having success are seen as having talent. Whatever they exhibit while performing the task others see them perform is assumed to be a display of their talent.

It’s an approach that builds on the belief that talent is needed to succeed. To a certain extent, it is also an approach that assumes that the presence of talent cannot be changed as if it would be an on-and-off switch for the opportunity to develop an ability.

What’s true is that talent is more of the tip of the iceberg. It may make it easier to get a head start at what one likes to do or help choose one’s purpose.

What it will not do, however, is remove obstacles and existing limitations, or remove the presence of others who do a better job.

Figuring out what it is that enables success beyond one’s talent is a task that less talented people often find easier to achieve than talented.

It’s a different type of talent, but the one that opens the door to doing the work that is necessary to succeed. Usually, it is the underlying set of values and the ability to accept the situation one is in that enables that talent.