Let me be clear: the most overrated opinion when learning something is that you can do it since you are smart.
If you get lucky, you'll get it right the first time. Or you'll master the beginner's level.
If you don't succeed the second time, what does it say about you?
Or the one after that?
Or the higher level after that?
Has anyone sat you down and told you, "Sorry, you are really not cut out for this"?
I am here to tell you that they are wrong – and so is your brain!
I used to think of myself as a pretty smart person.
I was top of my high school class in mathematics without much effort. There was only one person better than me, and it wasn't because they had a better understanding of the topic. They just had a better focus. I forget minus signs a lot.
This difference gave me a strong sense of my IQ throughout high school. I succeed without much effort, so I must be smart.
That was until university.
In university, I was up against people who were just as good as me.
And none of us could succeed in mathematics without spending a lot of hours on it. I actually failed the subject I loved the most and was best at.
That was a pretty dark moment.
In hindsight, I simply needed to apply myself more. I could do it again, but I had to put in the effort. Effort made me a "smarter person" – certainly one that could complete university, which I couldn't have done without putting in the work.
Work and effort.
Not natural talent.
I Figured Out Why Natural Talent doesn't Work. Introducing Entity Theory
Entity Theory is the idea that we succeed at something because we are smart.
It's simple: we're either born smart or we don't make it to the top of our profession.
We are born with the natural inclination to succeed at whatever we put our minds to – and succeed.
You'll never improve throughout your life.
You're born great, you die great.
It's pretty bad, isn't it?
Reason 1: Let's say you can be immediately good at the beginner level of what you are learning, but not the advanced level. What then?
Reason 2: What if, despite always being able to do something, you fail at it once?
Reason 3: What if you fail again? And again?
Reason 4: What if you try something new and it doesn't work out?
Reason 5: What if you realise you were doing one of your core skills wrong all along?
Reason 6: What if someone told you you weren't good enough at it?
If you want to use this way of thinking to achieve success no matter what you try, think again!
Introducing Incremental Theory: the Key to Success.
My mum used tell me all the time.
She was a maths teacher at a high school. She would tell all of her students: "Do you want to become good at maths? Complete all the exercises in the book!"
Incremental Theory is the unwavering belief that you can start from any level and succeed.
It doesn't matter if you're naturally talented in that field or another one.
You will succeed with work and effort.
You can overcome all the issues you had with Entity Theory.
Solution 1 to Reason 1: everyone gets beginner's luck every now and then. If you succeed at the beginner level, it's because you got beginner's luck. If you want to succeed at the advanced level, you need to put in the time and effort.
Solution 2 to Reason 2: Sometimes it just isn't your day. That's OK, keep trying!
Solution 3 to Reason 3: There will undoubtedly be days where you fail, but keep going. You will succeed. Stop counting the seconds. Keep going!
Solution 4 to Reason 4: It's normal, so keep going!
Solution 5 to Reason 5: It's good that you figured it out. Now put some time and effort into improving!
Solution 6 to Reason 6: You answer "Today. Maybe. Come back tomorrow, or the day after that. Not Yet!"
“Incremental theory’ people are different. Because they think of abilities as emerging through tackling challenges, the experience of failure has a completely different meaning for them: it’s evidence that they are stretching themselves to their current limit. ‘Training to failure’ isn’t an admission of defeat – it’s a strategy.” ― Oliver Burkeman
What You are Missing Out On if you Think you are Smart
You still think being smart is enough?
If that's the case, you probably shouldn't waste your time reading any of my 'How To' issues.
I write to help people improve through effort, ask questions to gain a deeper understanding, and succeed in talking with their businesses.
I write with the idea that I and others will cheer them on until they can be pretty satisfied with themselves.
I write with the understanding that it will take courage to get out of your comfort zone.
That's the only way to grow.
If you think being smart is enough, you're missing out on the incredible view from the top of the mountain you might have otherwise just conquered.
It's a shame you're not pushing yourself.
The view from the top of the mountain is truly A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
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