essay on hard work is more important than talent

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QUESTION 5 - Hard work or talent? (NAPLAN Grade 5) Hard work is more important than talent. Do you agree or disagree? Argue your point. …

Struggling With Writing In English?

Hard work is more important than talent by akeek for k.

I agree that hard work is more important than talent. Hard work is more important than talent because if someone has a talent, that person will lose it because of proudness, and hard work makes talent.

Someone has a talent, and they feel like they are the best person at it, so instead of working hard, they just sit on the couch, and rest, just being useless. Until one day, he tries the talent again and finds out that he has lost it. If someone has a talent, they will be proud of it, and doesn't try to keep it up, and eventually loses his useless talent.

Hard work makes talent, for example, when I was small, I was really bad at origami, I even had to ask about how to fold a cup! I was really sad, so I used about five years trying to accomplish my dream. Until I was better than anything I could have ever thought I would be long ago. If you use hard work, it creates talent! So why even think about talent.

People on the opposing side will say, that talented people will have an easier time trying to succeed in life than those who are untalented. It is wrong, because talented people actually have a harder time trying to succeed in life than those who are untalented. As I said, people who are talented will lose the talent.

Hard work is more important than talent because, if someone has a talent, proudness will take it away, and hard work creates talent.

Your essay has received a general score of 4.75 on a scale from 3 to 8 #4 out of 16

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Which is More Important: Hard Work or Talent?

Are you, like so many others, looking for the key to being successful? Many people ponder the contributions of natural talent vs hard work in this regard.

In truth, both talent and hard work are major contributing factors to the success of a person. Talent is the natural ability to perform exceptionally in a particular field, whereas hard work is what keeps personal and business growth alive and thriving.

Even if highly talented people have a head start, hard work is more important than talent. Why? Hardworking people would likely surpass naturally gifted individuals when it comes down to perseverance.

In this article, we’ll highlight some fundamental facts regarding talent and hard work so you can better understand what it takes to achieve greatness.

Facts About Natural Talent and Hard Work

Innate talent is a gift for a particular skill.

Natural talents are innate gifts that can help a person achieve success in particular activities. For example, consider a person who wants to become a singer. In this instance, having an aptitude for singing would further their chances of realizing their dream.

In reality, however, many individuals with natural-born talents fail to execute them optimally.

In these cases, hardworking people, who don’t have the natural ability to execute an activity to the same extent, might be better able to deliver. In other words, hardworking individuals have a good chance at beating talented individuals at their own game simply through their continued efforts. This highlights the ongoing debate of talent or hard work.

It also goes without saying that hardworking individuals can develop their skills through determined practice. So, when a gifted person makes an effort to hone their natural skills, you almost certainly have a recipe for success.

Hard Work is a Form of Talent

Generally, people believe talent is more important than hard work for achieving success, but nobody becomes successful overnight. Hard work may be an underrated endeavor, but it is ultimately what gets a person across the finish line.

And having the determination to work hard in the face of difficulty is a form of natural talent.

In other words, working hard is not easy when one obstacle after another presents itself, but having the ability to persevere in spite of these can give you a significant advantage.

Hard Work Can Develop Natural Talent

If you are a naturally talented person, but you don’t have the ability to sustain hard work, your talent may prove useless because it will not be used to its full potential. In other words, hard work in conjunction with natural abilities will yield much better results than innate talent on its own.

Thus, it can be argued that hard work is necessary for developing an individual’s talents, highlighting why hardwork is more important than talent. It can even be argued that, even if the individual has no innate talent to begin with, hard work is ultimately the factor that leads to success.

Hard Work Creates More Opportunities for Success

It can be said that talent is a matchstick while hard work fuels the fire. Put simply, your natural skills are vital for getting any project or activity off the ground and in the right direction, but hard work makes you much more likely to see things through and succeed.

In many cases, someone may not be considered naturally gifted in what they do. Yet, they achieve success to a greater extent than many talented individuals simply because they have the fuel to keep the fire burning.

Talent is Wasted in the Absence of Hard Work

It may be considered ironic when talented individuals fail to achieve their goals even though they have all the natural skills they need to succeed at their disposal.

But the fact is, many gifted people misuse or neglect their gifts by not applying the effort needed to develop them and succeed.

How many business people, musicians, sportspersons, etc., have faded from the headlines simply because they were unwilling to work harder to develop their talents and use them to their advantage?

In light of this, it can be said that, in the absence of hard work, a talent may lose its edge over time and not be sufficient to keep up with a changing world.

Hard Work Develops New Talents

People often praise talent above labor, but then miss the point of what makes a successful person unique.

Hardworking people typically have the ability to develop new talents and skills due to their determination to reach their goals.

A developed talent can still be considered an innate gift because it is the result of a natural ability.

Both Talent and Hard Work Are Essential to Thrive

It cannot be said that hard work beats talent or the other way around. Both talent and hard work play pivotal roles in comprehensive and continuous development.

Working hard and utilizing natural talents are equally important to reach the top. Undermining either of the two means all of your efforts will be in vain.

The Argument That Hard Work Beats Talent

Hard work is essentially the preparation and training that allows you to intensify and fine-tune your natural abilities.

Talent is the enigmatic factor that can be used to your advantage, but, on its own, is not sufficient to succeed.

Consider the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare has the natural ability to win the race effortlessly, but its lack of perseverance causes it to lose.

Simple as this example may be, instances of this story’s message can be seen in virtually every area of life today, from the business world to the sports industry.

According to a study by Clemens Tesch-Romer, Ralf Th. Krampe and K. Anderson Ericsson, the efficiency of deliberate practice is indispensable.

This study definitively proved that meticulous work and deliberation are crucial to being successful in any undertaking.

Simply put, although talent increases the likelihood of succeeding, it is not worth much without a steadfast approach.

To conclude this age-old “hard work vs talent” debate, it is clear that putting in the effort is essential to becoming an accomplished individual, and that talent alone is not enough to succeed.

In other words, it cannot be said that hard work is more important than talent or vice versa. No person should solely rely on their talents to get them where they aspire to be. Instead, continuous hard work and endurance is the key to pursuing any goal, be it personal, business, or sports-related.

Whether you are a talented individual or a hard worker, it’s important to be discovered by the right people. That’s where a headhunter can be incredibly valuable in connecting you with the right opportunities that match your skills and experience.

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Which is More Important, Talent or Hard Work? [Evaluating Keys to Success]

The debate over the primacy of talent versus hard work is as old as human endeavors itself. In every field of work, sports, and art, the question arises: what propels one to excellence — innate ability or relentless effort? While talent refers to the natural aptitudes and gifts that individuals are born with, hard work represents the dedicated time and effort one puts into developing one’s skills.

Understanding the role talent plays in personal and professional development is critical. Those with natural ability in a particular domain can often grasp concepts rapidly and excel with seemingly less effort. However, talent alone is not always sufficient for achieving success; it can lay the foundation but without the structure built by hard work, it might not yield fruitful results. On the other hand, hard work signifies a commitment to practice, improvement, and perseverance. It suggests that regardless of one’s starting point, continuous effort can bridge gaps in natural ability and lead to mastery over time.

Key Takeaways

• Talent provides a starting advantage, but it’s not the sole factor for success.
• Hard work signifies the commitment to consistently develop one’s skills.
• Success often arises from a combination of both talent and hard work.

The Interplay of Talent and Hard Work

Talent and hard work are often seen as key contributors to success. Talent is the natural aptitude or skill that an individual is born with, while hard work involves the effort and persistence put into developing a skill or completing a task.

Talent can give individuals a head start in certain fields. For example, a person with a natural ear for music may find it easier to learn to play an instrument. Yet, without sustained effort, even the most talented individuals may not reach their full potential.

Hard work, on the other hand, is a dynamic force. It can sharpen skills and lead to mastery. For those with less innate ability, dedication and effort can often level the playing field, enabling them to compete with naturally talented peers.

The fusion of talent and hard work is where the most significant achievements are often found. While talent offers the raw materials, hard work refines and enhances them. A musician might have natural ability but needs to practice regularly to perform at a high level.

In some cases, hard work leads to the development of new talents, as individuals discover capacities they were previously unaware of. It is through persistence and dedication that talents are honed and new skills are forged.

The combination of these elements suggests that neither talent nor hard work alone is sufficient. They are intertwined, and their interplay is what often leads to exceptional accomplishments.

Understanding Talent

Talent plays a critical role in shaping an individual’s potential for success. It is a complex interplay of innate abilities and learned skills that can significantly influence one’s achievements.

Definition of Talent

Talent refers to a natural aptitude or an inherent ability that an individual exhibits in a particular field, often without prior education or training. It is an innate talent that sets certain individuals apart from others. Natural talent can be thought of as the raw material upon which skills are developed.

• IQ and EQ : Reflect cognitive and emotional talents, respectively.
• Innate Talent : An inherent gift in specific domains like arts or mathematics.

The Role of Talent in Success

In the journey to success, talent often provides a head start. Achievers like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams have demonstrated that talent, when paired with hard work, can lead to exceptional accomplishments. However, talent alone does not guarantee success; it must be nurtured through continuous effort and dedication.

• Famous Figures : Examples include pianists showing profound musical talents at young ages.
• Natural Ability : Serves as the foundation for acquiring and mastering skills.

Natural Talent vs. Learned Skills

Distinguishing between natural talent and skills developed over time is vital for understanding success. Some singers, for instance, are gifted with a natural vocal range, yet vocal mastery emerges with practice.

• Natural Talent : Often evident in early childhood, exemplifying a predisposition towards certain activities.
• Learned Skills : Developed through training; reflects the expertise one gains over time.

The Value of Hard Work

Hard work is often touted as a cornerstone of success, and this section examines its role in achieving professional goals, developing beneficial habits, and setting the foundation for a successful career.

Defining Hard Work and Effort

Hard work is the dedicated application of effort towards a goal. It involves not only the time and energy invested but also the perseverance and dedication one demonstrates in the face of challenges. Effort is the degree of force applied to a task and is often a clear measure of determination and a growth mindset . These elements combine to lay a pathway for personal and professional development.

Hard Work as a Predictor of Success

While talent may offer an initial advantage, it is hard work that often predicts long-term success. A review of biographical data of successful individuals across various fields indicates a strong correlation between their practice , training , and overall achievements. Quantitative studies in vocational psychology suggest that individuals who exhibit a strong work ethic are more likely to experience career advancement .

• Perseverance: Increases the likelihood of overcoming obstacles.
• Consistency: Results in cumulative gains over time.

Developing a Strong Work Ethic

Cultivating a strong work ethic is a process that involves habit formation and continuous self-improvement. It reflects an individual’s commitment to their career and is characterized by attributes like reliability and professionalism . Here are essential strategies for developing such an ethic:

• Set clear goals.
• Establish routines that encourage dedication and habit formation.
• Engage in deliberate practice to refine skills.
• Reflect on progress and adjust efforts as needed.

Individuals who incorporate these approaches into their training and career development are more likely to hone their skills effectively and achieve a higher level of success.

Talent vs. Hard Work in Professional Growth

The debate between the inherent value of talent and the efficacy of hard work in professional growth continues to influence career trajectories. This section examines their impact on career advancement, recruitment practices, and the role of grit in career success.

Impact on Career Advancement

Career advancement often hinges on a combination of an individual’s talent and their willingness to work hard. Extensive studies have shown that while talent provides an initial advantage due to innate abilities, it is sustained focus and training that lead to long-term success . Employees who actively seek out experience and commit to continuous learning are more likely to be recognized for promotions .

Recruitment and Talent Selection

Recruitment processes typically aim to identify the candidate who represents the best fit for a job, which includes evaluating both talent and evidence of hard work . An interviewer may favor a less qualified candidate if they demonstrate potential for growth and a strong work ethic over a more accomplished candidate who seems complacent. Resumes that show a history of professional development and grit tend to stand out, increasing the chances to hire .

The Importance of Grit and Determination in One’s Career

The concepts of grit and determination have become integral to understanding career perseverance. They refer to the resilience and focus individuals have when facing setbacks . Successful figures in the workplace often attribute their success to persistency and the ability to overcome challenges, regardless of the talent they started with. These individuals set a clear goal and remain dedicated to achieving it, which exemplifies their grit in their career .

Cultural Perspectives on Talent and Work

Different cultures have distinct attitudes towards talent and hard work, impacting notions of success and merit within various societies.

Naturalness Bias and Society

Naturalness bias is a psychological tendency where individuals ascribe greater value to inborn talents over acquired skills. Psychological research indicates that certain societies may prefer individuals who exhibit natural talent, perceiving them as more gifted or destined for success. For example, in arts and sports, a prodigy or a naturally gifted athlete is often celebrated more enthusiastically than those who have achieved similar levels through intensive training.

• Example in Professional Situations : In the workplace, an employee may be perceived as more competent if their skills are seen as innate rather than developed through diligent effort.

Meritocracy and the Valuation of Hard Work

Meritocracy is a cultural concept where hard work and effort are seen as the pathways to success. Societies that value meritocracy tend to reward individuals based on their accomplishments and perseverance. The idea that one can “work their way up” is ingrained in the social fabric of many cultures, reinforcing the valuation of hard work.

• Appraisal in Professional Scenarios : Merit-based promotions acknowledge the importance of consistent effort, and in such environments, dedication is regarded as a vital component of professional success.

Redefining Success in Terms of Effort and Talent

Societal definitions of success often consider both effort and talent. A blend of talent and grit is increasingly recognized as a powerful predictor of long-term achievement. The narrative of success is broadening to appreciate the combination of an individual’s innate abilities and their capacity to apply themselves diligently.

• Inspiration and Aspiration : Stories of individuals who have risen to prominence through a mix of inherent talent and unwavering effort can inspire others to pursue their goals with a similar balance.

By examining these cultural perspectives, it becomes apparent that both talent and hard work are valued, albeit differently across societies. Understanding and navigating these perspectives is key in both personal and professional realms, as individuals aim to align their paths with cultural definitions of success.

Practical Implications

Determining the weight of talent and hard work in achieving success has practical implications across various spheres of life. This examination helps individuals and organizations optimize their growth strategies.

Incorporating Both Talent and Hard Work

It is essential to understand how talent and hard work complement each other. Individuals often enter fields where they show inherent talent, but without hard work and continuous development , talent alone may not lead to significant accomplishments. Organizations, on their part, can focus on identifying talents and invest in training programs to refine these skills.

• Personal Life : A mix of talent and consistent effort can improve one’s personal growth and wellness.
• Professional Situations : Employers can create balanced teams where naturally skilled members are encouraged to practice and refine their capabilities.

Strategies to Enhance Both Areas

Developing a strategy to maximize the potential of talent and hard work can yield remarkable outcomes. One could focus on strengths while also implementing a rigorous routine to develop weak areas.

• Practice : Daily routines aimed at enhancing one’s craft can dramatically increase proficiency.
• Training and Study : Structured learning and upskilling programs are fundamental for individuals to not just rely on their natural abilities but to also stay relevant and competitive.

Case Studies of Combining Talent and Persistence

Real-world examples underscore the symbiosis between talent and hard work in achieving success.

• Oprah Winfrey : Started from poverty, she utilized her talent for communication and, through hard work, became one of the most influential personalities globally.
• Michael Jordan : Recognized for his basketball skills, he was noted for his intense training ethic, often being the first to practice and the last to leave.
• Serena Williams : Despite her natural affinity for tennis, Williams’s life story highlights the grueling training and focus required to dominate the sport.

Both talent and hard work play significant roles in achieving success. Talent acts as a natural accelerator that propels individuals to grasp concepts or skills at an above-average pace. On the other hand, hard work is the steadfast application of effort over time, often turning potential into expertise. Success stories frequently feature a blend of the two, with hard work augmenting innate abilities.

In terms of sustainability, hard work tends to have the edge. It fosters discipline and resilience, which are crucial for long-term achievement. Individuals who rely solely on talent might find themselves outpaced by those willing to put in consistent effort.

• Talent can be seen as raw potential.
• Hard Work equates to the process of refining that potential.

The impact of hard work often becomes most visible when talent reaches its limits. Persistence in the face of challenges is a common hallmark among high achievers. They typically maintain a growth mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.

In conclusion, while talent provides a valuable starting point, it is the cultivation of one’s abilities through hard work that truly determines success. The most successful individuals usually exhibit a combination of both, leveraging their natural strengths while committing to ongoing self-improvement.

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Talent vs Hard Work: What Is More Important for Success?

December 21, 2021

What do you believe is more important: talent or hard work?

If you believe that talent is important, you may not pursue your dreams because you don’t believe that you got what it takes.

But is it enough to just work hard?

In this article, we will take a look at talent and hard work. And we will try to answer the question: is hard work more important than talent?

Why is talent important for success?

Everyone has some talents.

But how important is it for success?

Well, that depends…

Take a look at Wolfgang Mozart . He composed his first musical masterpiece at the age of 5. And at the age of 7, he went on his first tours to perform his abilities for the world.

Clearly, talent plays a tiny role here.

But could he achieve the same success if it only came down to hard work?

It’s a difficult question to answer.

What we do know for sure is that talent certainly plays a key role in achieving success fast. And if you want to become the very best in your field, talent gives you a head start for sure.

But does that mean you can’t achieve success without talent?

How important is hard work?

Let’s take a look at Kobe Bryant . He scored 0 points over the Summer Basketball League when he was 12 years old. 

Not quite the kid you expect to become a basketball star.

Yet, Kobe Bryant became one of the greats. He is in the top 5 of the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing the great Michael Jordan.

So how did he do it?

When he scored 0 points in the summer league, Kobe felt that he embarrassed his dad. But while most people would give up, Kobe turned his emotion into his biggest driver.

Kobe became obsessed with hard work .

When you somewhat know the story of Kobe Bryant, you’ll attribute his success to a set of skills that have nothing to do with talent – and everything to do with hard work.

In other words, you can become super successful without talent.

But what is more important: talent or hard work?

In a perfect world, everyone who has the ambition would work relentlessly and easily overcome challenges. If that were the case, talent would beat hard work every time.

But we don’t live in a perfect world.

Just because talent gives you an edge at first, success won’t be handed to you. Instead, you still need to work incredibly hard to achieve what you want.

So if you lack talent, you can outwork talented people. You just need to work a little harder on yourself and your craft than those who are talented to achieve greatness. 

Of course, that’s not an easy task.

But certainly not impossible.

Talent helps you on the way, but without hard work, you will simply be outworked. So whether you have talent or not, you will always need to work hard.

Besides, talent is something you either do or do not have. But work ethic is a habit you can develop, which will bring you much further in life.

That’s why hard work always beats talent.

The synergy between hard work and talent

Here’s an interesting final thought…

If you like what you do, chances are that you are somewhat talented in that area. Usually, we gravitate towards areas that lie within our strength.

And if you don’t like what you do, chances are that you won’t work hard enough to succeed. It will be quite the challenge to stay consistent and persevere if you lack joy.

Either way, don’t be obsessed with whether you have talent or not…

Instead, become obsessed with pursuing a path you love and then work hard to achieve your success. That’s how you will outwork those who rely on talent.

Here’s the conclusion:

Talent can give you a head-start , but hard work beats talent when it comes to success.

What’s next?

While talent can provide an initial advantage, hard work surpasses talent every time in achieving long-term success.

Key takeaways:

• Both talent and hard work play a role in success. Talent provides initial advantages (consider child prodigies) whereas hard work can compensate for a lack of early talent (consider people like Kobe Bryant).
• The synergy between liking what you do and your talent enhances motivation and perseverance, while lacking joy in your pursuit can hinder success.
• Slight talent and work go hand in hand. You experience more joy when you work within your personal strengths . And you’re more likely to work hard at something you somewhat enjoy doing. So if you find something you enjoy , don’t let a lack of talent hold you back.

Dive deeper into these topics with these great resources:

• Best personality tests to uncover your unique advantages .
• Book: Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
• Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth
• Course: Complete Time Management Course Raise Personal Productivity on Udemy
• Tool: Goals on Track is a goal-setting and task-management system. I use this tool to gain clarity and take consistent action towards my goals.

Take action: Set life goals and prioritize the one that attracts you the most (you can have a few). Then, use a goal-setting planner to set daily goals and block time to work on your craft or develop skills and habits to achieve your goal. 

Finally, sign up below to gain weekly strategies tailored to help you achieve success and fulfillment.

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Talent Matters Even More than People Think

• Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

If anything, it’s still underrated.

Why are some people more successful than others? Leaving aside luck, which equates to confessing that we don’t really know, there are really just two explanations: talent and effort. Talent concerns the abilities, skills, and expertise that determine what a person can do. Effort concerns the degree to which the person deploys their talents.

• Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, a professor of business psychology at University College London and at Columbia University, co-founder of  deepersignals.com , and an associate at Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. He is the author of  Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and How to Fix It ) , upon which his  TEDx talk  was based. His latest book is I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique.   Find him at  www.drtomas.com . drtcp

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Success Mindset

Why hard work is better than talent.

We live in an achievement-obsessed society that is quick to apply the labels “talented” and “gifted” to everyone who has accomplished anything of note. Successful people are often portrayed as superhuman, born with magical abilities that separate them from the rest of the human race. For instance, award-winning actors are touted as talented, as are people who have succeeded in business. If the person in question is young, they are especially likely to be labeled this way.

The media isn’t interested in hard work, or how much effort so-called gifted and talented people have to put in before they see results. Our society now judges someone on their accomplishments, and assumes that they must have inborn gifts. We don’t stop and appreciate the effort that goes into a bestselling novel, a high-performing company, or a stunning piece of artwork. We tend to just assume that “talent” naturally gives rise to excellent results.

You can see this belief operating across society. For example, operating under the assumption that someone is either born talented or average, companies often use IQ tests to scan their applicant pools for people who supposedly show the most potential to outshine their peers. Businesses are obsessed with spotting and training the “very best.” In many cases, the “very best” is equated to “people who seem to have been born with innate ability.”

The truth about hard work

Although the media would have you believe otherwise, hard work really does trump talent. When you first meet or hear about a successful person, it’s easy to believe that they must have been born in possession of fabulous gifts. In reality, there are numerous examples of famous people who have relied on hard work.

For example, legendary basketball player Michael Jordan was dropped from his high school basketball team, but would go on to become one of the greatest sportspeople of all time. Animation pioneer Walt Disney was told that he had “no original ideas” and “lacked imagination” by the newspaper that fired him, and Oprah Winfrey was once advised that she “wasn’t fit for television.” These stories illustrate that not every successful person finds immediate success and recognition. It’s hard work and perseverance that ultimately pays off.

The power of labels

What happens when someone is told that they are talented? Sometimes, they will become complacent and lose the incentive to improve themselves. For example, a kid who is told throughout high school that they are naturally smart might assume that they will breeze through college. They might never bother to develop the skills needed to study hard and learn new material, as they think that they will be able to ace any class. College might come as a real shock to them, and because they have not bothered to learn study skills, they might find themselves struggling to cope.

Someone who has been explicitly told that they are in no way gifted or talented might become discouraged and stop following their dreams. For example, someone who takes up art classes in their thirties or forties and is told by their teacher that they don’t really have an aptitude for painting might become depressed, especially if they have waited for years to build up the confidence levels required to sign up for the class in the first place. The world could miss out on some wonderful paintings as the result of a single comment from the teacher.

To call someone “talented” can also be an act of rudeness. It implies that the person did not have to rely on their own hard work to achieve success, which belittles their efforts and shows an ignorance of how personal growth and development really happens behind the scenes. Calling someone talented also lets yourself off the hook and gives you permission to be lazy – after all, if someone else is talented and you are not, why even bother trying to achieve a similar level of success?

In short, labeling someone “talented” or “gifted” is not a straightforward compliment. The very notion that some people are born innately better than others is not constructive.

How to master your unique power

It’s true that we are all stronger in some areas than others, but hard work is the real secret to success. There are three steps you must follow in order to achieve your full potential.

First, ask yourself what interests you the most.

What do you think about most often? What do you care about most? What do you like to do in your spare time? What satisfies you? If you aren’t sure of your tastes and skills, try a few new hobbies or investigate a few new topics.

Second, work on actively building your strengths in this area.

For instance, if you have discovered that you love art, choose a medium and find resources that will help you master this specific skill. You could take classes, find a mentor, or track down materials that allow you to teach yourself. Think about the basic skills you need first, and work on acquiring them. Practice is your friend here. The more you do, the better!

Third, make sure that you keep getting feedback from a range of sources.

Let them tell you what is working well, and what needs improvement. Successful people never stop learning, and they appreciate constructive criticism. Take other people’s comments on board, commit yourself to ongoing improvement, and never stop working hard! It doesn’t matter whether other people think you are talented or not. What matters is your personal effort and work.

Embrace your work and believe in yourself

When you realize that hard work is what truly matters, you will feel free to pursue your dreams.

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So what if someone tells you that you don’t have any innate ability, or that you don’t show a great deal of potential in any particular domain?

You now know that if you choose to follow a path that holds interest for you, and are willing to devote yourself to building up a strong set of skills, there is no reason why you can’t be incredibly successful. And if someone ever does label you “talented” or “gifted,” be sure to remind them that it was hard work that made all the difference.

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The learning network | which is more important: talent or hard work.

Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

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We’ve all heard that hard work is the key to success. But a recent study found that the “profoundly gifted” still have an edge over peers who have less natural talent but are perhaps more dedicated to improving their skills. Have you experienced the power of talent over hard work? Or have you found that success comes to the person willing to put in the most time and effort to achieve it?

In the Sunday Review piece “Sorry, Strivers: Talent Matters,” David Z. Hambrick and Elizabeth J. Meinz describe this study, along with their own research findings that support the idea that talent, not dedication, is the ultimate predictor of success:

Exhibit A is a landmark study of intellectually precocious youths directed by the Vanderbilt University researchers David Lubinski and Camilla Benbow. They and their colleagues tracked the educational and occupational accomplishments of more than 2,000 people who as part of a youth talent search scored in the top 1 percent on the SAT by the age of 13. (Scores on the SAT correlate so highly with I.Q. that the psychologist Howard Gardner described it as a “thinly disguised” intelligence test.) The remarkable finding of their study is that, compared with the participants who were “only” in the 99.1 percentile for intellectual ability at age 12, those who were in the 99.9 percentile — the profoundly gifted — were between three and five times more likely to go on to earn a doctorate, secure a patent, publish an article in a scientific journal or publish a literary work. A high level of intellectual ability gives you an enormous real-world advantage. In our own recent research, we have discovered that “working memory capacity,” a core component of intellectual ability, predicts success in a wide variety of complex activities. In one study, we assessed the practice habits of pianists and then gauged their working memory capacity, which is measured by having a person try to remember information (like a list of random digits) while performing another task. We then had the pianists sight read pieces of music without preparation. Not surprisingly, there was a strong positive correlation between practice habits and sight-reading performance. In fact, the total amount of practice the pianists had accumulated in their piano careers accounted for nearly half of the performance differences across participants. But working memory capacity made a statistically significant contribution as well (about 7 percent, a medium-size effect). In other words, if you took two pianists with the same amount of practice, but different levels of working memory capacity, it’s likely that the one higher in working memory capacity would have performed considerably better on the sight-reading task. It would be nice if intellectual ability and the capacities that underlie it were important for success only up to a point. In fact, it would be nice if they weren’t important at all, because research shows that those factors are highly stable across an individual’s life span. But wishing doesn’t make it so. None of this is to deny the power of practice. Nor is it to say that it’s impossible for a person with an average I.Q. to, say, earn a Ph.D. in physics. It’s just unlikely, relatively speaking. Sometimes the story that science tells us isn’t the story we want to hear.

Students: Tell us how you have seen the talent/dedication equation play out in academic accomplishments, sports, performance or any other forum in which individuals’ efforts are compared. Did the person with the most real or perceived “natural talent” also work the hardest? How did a person of average ability improve over time? Did the improvement make him or her “the best” or did those most naturally gifted still prevail? What do you think of the idea that “practice makes perfect”?

Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. Please use only your first name. For privacy policy reasons, we will not publish student comments that include a last name.

Comments are no longer being accepted.

I think talent is important but by far hard work is more important. Because with hard work some day you could have more talent than most people. The way you improve over time is your hard work because your consistent. The idea of practice makes perfect is that the more you practice the better you get.

i think that hard work is more important than talent because without hard work, people wouldn’t have any talent

Hard work and dedication is way more important talent. Even if you have talent and all, it doesn’t guarantee you that you’ll have a good life. A genius is 99% perspiration and 1% talent. Everything comes from hard work and dedication. If you never swam or played a sport before, and if you decide to train really hard for a couple months, guess what. You’ll be able to swim as well as your friend. I think that hard work more important because if you work hard, then you’ll make talent. Talent is something you have to earn by hard work.

i think that hard work and talent are both great for students

Personally I think it is an equal because if you don’t try even if you have natural skill its not going to show and if you try your hardest you can be as good as the people with that talent

I believe that dedication prevails over talent for you may be good at something but not good at learning it and want to give up. But through dedication you can learn almost anything you put your mind to. Like how I am good at math and want to learn as much as possible but I would also be good at other things but not like them as much causing me to try to give up. I believe the statement “Practice makes perfect” because it does.

I think that it is true that people who are talented in a subject they don’t have to work as hard as people who are not talented. With me its spelling i have to work harder then some to spell things out and when I’m writing on the bored at school i have to think really hard and sound things out so i spell it right and i still mess up, and the people in my class can spell perfect they don’t need to sound words out or think really hard on what there spelling and they don’t try as hard as me to get the right spelling, it can be frustrating but they are just talented and i just have to work harder.

Hard-work I agree talent is very important especially in creativities careers like artistic, paint, etc, but it isn’t as important as hard working to success. Lots of people without talent can success working hard. Considering a business life like a marathon and the gold is to arrive to the end, you most work hard to get to the end, so hard work is more important

I believe that talent and hard work are equally important, because when we have talent we need work for perfecting and get better result. On the other hand When we work hard for something the effort is more intense. We see a better result in the goal is more pleasant.

Well, I think that talent is something natural, it’s a gift that you have since when you were born. When you realize that you are good at something you’ll see that thing is your talent. If you invest on it, you’ll be investing in your future, because there’s nothing better than do what you love to. However, without hard work, as I said before ‘investing’, you may have a trouble future, because you are not the only one with that talent. Maybe someone else have it too. And if you don’t work hard on it, to improve your skill, someone else can do it, and took your place. We see in Brazil a lot of football talents, but what we don’t see is the way that they had to go through, the intense trainning they had to get where they are. The point is that the two are balanced, if you get talent and work hard on it, you might turn into a specialist. And If you work hard you might get a talent, perseverance, maybe, but it still a talent, few people have it today.

I believe that when you got a talent in something it’s much easier to do your job. Hard work if you put dedication you complete it, but it going to take more time because you are forcing yourself even thought you don’t like it. The more you practice any activity you will get better and perfect.

I think we need both. Hard work and talent are two things that need to be together. Even when we have the talent that is not enough, we have to work hard to develop our talent. In my opinion sometimes we have so much talent, but we do not work hard to expand it.

I think bout of talent and hard work are very important. Because if someone has talent but he/she does not work hard he/she will not success. Work hard that will make you talent and even you have talent you have to work hard.

I agree that talent can be very important in something required creativity. For example playing piano, music art etc. but to be just talent is not enough for success. If you have a lot of talent you`re going to need at least hard working to get success this is some example for someone who is talent and not hard working: you have a business and you want it to be successful so what you prefer to do? To make it look nice and to create something or to work hard. My answer is 50% hard working and 50% talents if I want go ahead in many thing.

I agree with the idea that “practice makes perfect” because for example people can learn how to paint, to play an instrument, to cook but if they do not practice, is like they do not know. Sometimes persons don not have the opportunity to learn a new talent at school but when they work, they can be much better than other who expend a lot time just memorizing theory.

My feeling about this article is that God is creator of all, for that reason he created us with different talent each one. Even thought we have our talent, we must work so hard to show what big is it and what we can do. Each head is one world and many of us believe that we haven’t work for our talent not knowing that work so hard is our way to grow in the life because fail to understand the practice makes perfect however other try to improve their skill spend 80% of their time discovering what talent they have that they don’t knows. Definitely for me is important to do both those things because everyone have talent should work in it and who work hard can find what talent they have.

I think hard work is more important than talent because working hard we can get everything that we want. Practice makes the person get more experience, nobody is born knowing, and everything that we have we learn it in life, obviously dedicated to the spirit that drives we require much effort.

That I think all purposes of life requires hard work, dedication and hard knowledge, but every effort achieve our goal, will base on the strong and hard fight job will consequirlo.ese rewarded for effort and hard dedication and ability. Of Thus our goals will be achieved by hard work and dedication by obctenerlo

The thing is that talent is not enough and that people who think that be a genius is a matter of how we born are fooled because the secret to reaching the top lies in the hours of practice. As evidenced by the psychologist Anders Ericsson in an experiment conducted in 1991. Ericsson concluded that once we have demonstrated sufficient capacity to enter into a top music academy. The difference between a great performer of another mediocre is the dedicated effort each practice. And more importantly, the musicians there are at the top do not work a little bit more … they work a lot more. Study after study has shown that it takes about 10,000 hours of practice to achieve world-class expertise in any field. So you know if you want to be: musician, writer, player, etc. It’s easy just earn your 10 thousand hours of practice. Can you do it?

In my opinion, I think that with dedication and hard work, we can get success in all the different fields do not matter if those are academics or sports. Even though sometime, the talent surpasses the dedication. For these people with natural talent the things are easier and they do not work as harder as dedicated people. However, people with average ability could improve with practice .I believe that “practice makes perfect” because when with practice we can fix all our mistakes and comprehend better how these things gone. With practice, we improve our abilities that at the end, those activities become easier and natural for us that could become our talent.

Innate tale I agree to the hard work is very important, especially in science careers as accountants, engineers, etc., but not as important as talent for success. There are many people without work hard can succeed with her talent. Considering a business life as a marathon and silver is to reach the goal. You better work hard where you have talent if you want to success.

I think this article describes how they have done studies of people who have abilities to memorize and it was shown that more talent can achieve success. besides, I think that everyone has your talent but for some people it is easier to achieve their goals because it is natural for them. I can add that hard work and talent go together because a person who works hard and with dedication to be able to also achieve their goals. Logically they must have more effort and sacrifices that people are born with the talent to do something either in sport, in the studio or something in particular.

I think that when a person has talent also need implement work well because I understand that talent is a gift that you have but also with the work you can accomplish many things and sometimes even more than I wanted to have that talent does not know how to develop. When a students or any person wants to achieve something just need work hard on what you want and focus is the goal and see what can be achieved by merely having worked on their goals. The talent is important but the work can be more important because people have the ability to do anything as long as we put our effort.

i think the talent is not the product of the success, in my opinion if you are a genius you have more oportunity of acchive the success.

To achieve individual’s goal and be successful, dedication is indeed more important than intellectual ability. Being dedicated and hard-working means one is deeply passionate about what he is struggling for and thus his achievement is immensely more valuable.

For example, I wanted to be a sagacious and thoughtful  writer although I am not a native English speaker and obviously not a talented one I. My very first essays were frivolous and diffuse. I began practicing harder by reading articles from innumerable resources and writing essays and journals intensely. As a result, my outstanding English score and the laudatory comments on my work are the greatest accolades I can receive.

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Comparing Talent And Hard Work

It is so easy to describe people as being talented. Just look at any headline praising a piece of artwork, music, or other great feat, and you are likely to see the word “talented,” “gifted,” or a variant of these being thrown around.

In the case of musician and songwriters, one is said to be talented if they have produced work that gets some attention, especially on the charts or radio airwaves. Labels such as iconic, legendary, infamous, and other similar terms are quickly slapped onto such individuals, further elevating them to superhuman status in society.

But is being talented a true marker of success? In the process of highlighting the seemingly in-born “natural” gifts of achievers, the virtues of hard work can get lost in the mix. The result is that many aspiring “talents” believe they only need to rely on their innate abilities in order to produce notable works. Inevitably, this can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even mental health issues when the reality hits home that talent alone is not enough.

Hard work vs talent

The common saying, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard” is one of the most profound statements ever made in this regard. If you are not convinced, you can read up on the life stories of some of the most remarkable people in history. Celebrities and personalities such as Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Jack Ma, were all told they were not good enough to be successful in their fields, at one point or another. 

In the music industry, Bruno Mars was initially told he sucked at being a musician before he started writing songs for other artists and then kicked off his impressive career. As a child, Shakira was ridiculed for her singing style by her teacher and classmates. Elvis Presley was frowned upon and advised he wasn't going anywhere fast in music. Even the Beatles were told they did not have the necessary talent to make a dent in the music industry. All these acts were able to rise above the criticisms of their talent (or lack thereof) and become great in their own rights.

It becomes necessary, therefore, to clear the air about these societal misconceptions. Let’s compare talent and hard work and how each applies in the grand scheme of life.

Hard work is necessary for success, talent isn’t

One is often led to believe that being naturally gifted is the ultimate prerequisite for success in any field. But almost every notable example of a big achievement involves some degree of putting in some amount of work. In athletics, for example, standout athletes such as Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Serena Williams are often hailed for their natural abilities. However, closer analysis of their careers shows that these master athletes spent huge chunks of their lives practicing relentlessly. In addition, they had people behind them who pushed them harder than most of their competitors. 

Truth be told, most athletes were born with natural talents. By the time they enter competitive scenarios, the playing field is pretty much level among competitors in the same categories. The immense success of the few who turn out to be champions was often only possible because these people also put in just a bit more time and dedication. Their training ensured they could go just a bit further and have that wee bit extra stamina, which ensured they were still able to deliver the goods even when their “gifts” failed to kick in.

As it relates to the music industry, there are tons of examples of people who weren’t/aren’t necessarily the best singers, songwriters, or performers, but have still managed to carve out impressive careers. Some of these people have surpassed peers who were considered more technically brilliant and with more natural "gifts."

EQ is more important to success than IQ

A popular recruitment practice used in many industries is to have job candidates do IQ tests to determine how naturally gifted they are in their respective fields. But in recent times, emphasis has been placed on emotional intelligence (EQ) as being more important to business growth than intellectual intelligence (IQ). Increasingly, firms are looking for leaders with high EQ to manage critical areas of business in order to get the most out of work teams. 

That's because several studies have revealed that things like productivity, empathy, and effective communication are mostly tied to emotional cues rather than "brain smarts," so to speak. It also turns out that employees who rank higher on the EQ scale tend to work harder, are more focused, and often even earn more than their peers who are higher up the ladder in terms of IQ. 

The same thing has played out in the music industry over the years. As mentioned in the previous point, there are tons of musicians who have managed to become super successful despite not being the most talented. In many cases, these acts are more in touch with their emotions and have applied their EQ to their ability to connect with music listeners through their music and forge strategic relationships in the music business, resulting in stronger fan bases and greater opportunities for their audiences to consume their creations.

Talent needs to be honed in order to be useful

Having talent is simply not enough unless it is improved upon. Aside from working hard, talent can only become useful if the owner of that talent does what is necessary to expand it. If your talent is just being good at playing the guitar, for instance, that ability can only get you so far because there are many other people who also know their way around the instrument. 

How will you set yourself apart from the crowd and put yourself in line to be chosen for gigs? You would do so by finding ways to expand your guitar-playing capabilities, whether that means learning new finger tricks, perfecting a particular strumming technique, or mastering different types of guitars. The same goes for a talented songwriter who wants to get better at writing songs rather than just be a "talented" songwriter. 

All these require taking music lessons, watching tutorials, taking inspiration from other greats in your field and, of course, many hours of practice (which goes back to hard work). Either way, people who have a high degree of talent and go on to be successful were only able to do so by further honing that talent rather than being comfortable with just being talented.

Let's be clear - nothing is wrong with having natural abilities. After all, everyone is born to be good at something, even if you have not figured out your own gift as yet. However, finding success at any level, and in any field, requires way more than talent. The relationships you create with people and habits you develop also play a role in your ability to grow your career, especially in fields such as music. But, ultimately, working hard is the main determining factor as to how far you can go and the legacy you leave behind.

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The power of grit: Why hard work is more important than talent

Kathleen Calderwood

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Bill Gates recently confessed that he finishes every book he starts reading, even if he hates it.

There are too many people who are content to be fine—to do things today the way they did them yesterday and last year.

While some people might see this as an unnecessary way to spend one's time, it could be the secret to his success.

'A bias towards finishing what you begin rather than leaving it half finished, is actually characteristic of some of the most successful people in the world,' says professor of psychology Angela Duckworth.

Duckworth has found that perseverance—hard work and resilience in the face of adversity—is the single most predictive characteristic of grit, but it's only half the equation.

To have grit, you also need to find your work meaningful, important and interesting.

'When I speak to well intentioned but stressed out parents who are trying to get their kids to Harvard at any cost they miss the other half of grit, and that's passion,' she says.

'I've never interviewed someone who was truly world class in what they do, who didn't say in the first five minutes "I love what I do".'

Are millennials missing their grit?

Duckworth says millennials deserve a break when it comes to the criticism of their work ethic and lack of patience for career progression.

Firstly, they grew up in a different culture to their parents and work superiors. But they also need more time to grow up.

'In general people get better [with age]—you get more emotionally stable, more conscientious, more self controlled, more dependable,' Duckworth says.

'My favourite is that you get nicer with age, wiser. And grit seems to fit the pattern.

'So if you shake your head at a 26-year-old in your office who doesn't seem to work the way you want them to, you might remember that you have twice, possibly three times as much life experience as that millennial and it may be that the problem with millennials is that they haven't grown up yet.'

Why you need to remain ambitious

While talent is still a big part of achievement, Duckworth says people who are truly successful aren't satisfied resting on their laurels.

Talent counts for something, but effort counts twice.

'It is much easier to hang out on the plateau of arrested development,' Duckworth says.

'You get better in the beginning just like the expert does but when you are good enough you stop trying. You're fine, there's nothing wrong with you but you're not growing and learning.'

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Duckworth refers to an anecdote she heard from Vanguard chief executive Bill McNab.

'He said: "When I became a leader of a company like this I used to think that I would be able to pick the young men and women who would really go far and make a contribution to this company,"' she says.

'"You know what? I was wrong about the people that I picked. What turned out to be more important than I could have ever imagined is their relentless commitment to developing, learning and growing."

'There are too many people who are content to be fine, to do things today the way they did them yesterday and last year. This, I think, is most of us.'

Practice is key to continuing success

So how do you develop grit? Duckworth says the first thing to do is try something you're not already capable of.

'Nobody wants to do what they can't yet do, or rare are those individuals at least,' she says.

'Once you have intentionally set aside one narrow aspect of your performance that you're going to work on ... you must focus 100 per cent, you must put full effort ... if you want to do deliberate practice like an expert it's truly a full effort.'

Then feedback is essential to learning. If you're an actor, rewatch your performances; if you're an accountant or administrator, seek feedback from a coach, senior colleague or mentor.

'When a musician is doing deliberate practice they play the same measure over and over again,' Duckworth says.

'They're working on, often, the most difficult part of the piece, so it's the least fluent and there are long pauses in the practice ... During that pause that musician is thinking about the feedback, they're reflecting, they're planning a refinement and they're doing the whole thing over and over again.

'If your daughter or son is playing piano and it sounds fluent because they're not working on a stretch goal, they're not working on a weakness ... and you clap loudly, then you are rewarding performance but you're not rewarding practice.'

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Essay on Hard Work

500 words essay on  hard work.

Hard work is an essential thing we all need in life. It is impossible to achieve greatness without working hard. In other words, an idle person cannot gain anything if they wish to sit and wait for something else. On the other hand, one who keeps working hard constantly will definitely gain success in life and this is exactly what essay on hard work will elaborate upon.

Importance of Hard Work

Hard work is important and history has proved it time and again. The great Edison used to work for many hours a day and he dozed off on his laboratory table only with his books as his pillow.

Similarly, the prime minister of India, late Pt. Nehru used to work for 17 hours a day and seven days a week. He did not enjoy any holidays. Our great leader, Mahatma Gandhi worked round the clock to win freedom for our country.

Thus, we see that hard work paid off for all these people. One must be constantly vigil to work hard as it can help you achieve your dreams. As we say, man is born to work. Just like steel, he shines in use and rusts in rest.

When we work hard in life, we can achieve anything and overcome any obstacle. Moreover, we can also lead a better life knowing that we have put in our all and given our best to whatever work we are doing.

Key to Success

Hard work is definitely the key to success. What we earn by sweating our brow gives us greater happiness than something we get by a stroke of luck. As humans, we wish to achieve many things in life.

These things need hard work to be able to come true. Poverty is not the curse but idealness is. When we waste our time, time will also waste us. Hard work can help anyone achieve success. Great people were born in cottages but died in palaces.

Thus, it shows how through great work one can get the key to success. When you start working hard, you will notice changes in your life. You will become more disciplined and focused on your work.

Moreover, you will start seeing results within a short time. It is nothing but proof that when you work hard, things like determination, focus, concentration, come automatically to you. As a result, nothing will stop you from achieving success .

Success is not just someone being famous and rich in life. When you work hard and lead a comfortable life filled with love that is also a success. Hard work must not limit to work but also your personal life. When you put in hard work in work and relationships, life will prosper.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Hard Work

If we get the determination and focus, we can all work hard for a better future. It is important to concentrate as it ensures our work is finishing on time and in a better manner. Therefore, by working hard, we can increase our concentration power and open doors to new opportunities.

FAQ of Essay on Hard Work

Question 1: What is the importance of hard work?

Answer 1: Hard work teaches us discipline , dedication and determination. It is certainly important because it is only through hard work that we can achieve the goals of our life. Thus, we all must work hard.

Question 2: Does hard work lead to success?

Answer 2: Yes, hard work, together with the time will definitely lead to success. It is what can help you achieve a better life. Moreover, the harder you work, the more confident you will become in life.

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Hard Work Counts More than Talent

4 Pages Posted: 25 Feb 2022

Rabel Catayoc

Magsaysay College

Date Written: December 24, 2021

This is a persuasive essay about talent and hardwork. This essay discussed about how and why hardwork counts more than just talent alone.

Keywords: talent, harwork, skills, secular, spiritual

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Rabel Catayoc (Contact Author)

Magsaysay college ( email ).

Polacion Misamis Oriental, Misamis 9015 Philippines

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To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

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Nowadays, many people spend their free time watching movies. Why do they do that? Is it a positive or a negative development?

More and more people enjoy their free time activities which are dangerous (such as mountain-climbing, bungee jumping) what is the reason for this is this a positive or negative development, today our communications ,medical and transport systems all depend on computer technology . our reliance on computer technology inthese has created a dengerous situation, some feel that cities shold be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important. discuss both sides and give your own opinion., social media is becoming increasingly popular amongst all age groups. however, sharing personal information on social media websites does have risks..

Is talent more important than hardwork?

English / Samples December 27, 2017

To achieve success, there are many factors which are needed to be dealt with. Success does not happen overnight. There is constant hard work and sleepless nights needed. However, to claim that talent is not important would not be correct. Talent is the innate ability that a few special people have in them. It is a unique quality that most of the people are deprived of. In a room of ten people, it may not be important that all of them have a specific talent. Only a few are gifted with it. Hard work is significant in jobs where a constant struggle is required. If a person has talent, then it would not be enough to survive in the job market. The competition is increasing and people are killing each other for money.

To ace forward, talent along with hard work would be the perfect mixture for a successful life and career.  But the right proportion is very important. Moreover, hard work is also a kind of talent. Not everyone can be motivated towards their work. Working hard is not an easy task.

Is talent more important than hard work?

A person needs to be dedicated to their work and should be attentive at all times. It is a quality that is appreciated everywhere. Whether it is a school, college or any other academic institution, hard work is always paid off. Hard work is, however, a lengthy process that requires struggle and being fully dedicated to something.

On the other hand, talent is rare. If a person is talented, they need to convert their talent to success otherwise it will be of no use. Talented people usually get away with most things and sometimes they do not even need to work hard as their talent is so unique that it makes them stand out from other people.

The reason why these talented people may fail is that there comes a time when people can get overconfident because of their talent. Most of the people do have the talent to do something or the other. It depends on how this talent is valued by others and how is it used.

What really matters is how a person uses these skills to become successful or whatever they are trying to achieve in life. The ‘important’ aspect can only be assessed by what environment the person is working in and what others value more. Hard work and talent both have their own benefits and are a bonus if a person possesses both these qualities. Nothing can stop him/her from achieving success.

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