Talent

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

Talent is like a newly built well, brimming with water. When its recognized as a wonderful and convenient source, people will flock to it. People will rejoice and always discuss how wonderful it is, providing them with water to cook with, bathe with, to grow with.

However, like many other things in life, water is limited.

The well will eventually run dry, and when it does, people will begin to look for other means of obtaining water. But as simple as it sounds, it's truly a task. People will have to walk miles upon miles to have the same water they once had in their possession only a few feet away. And if they don't, then they will just whittle away into dust.

Much like water, talent runs out. Do not depend on talent, because in the end, it's not your talent that's going to get you places. It's the hard work you put in that'll really make the difference.

Picasso didn't become great over night, and neither did Mozart. Picasso did thousands upon thousands of paintings throughout his lifetime, each taking hours on end. Yes, Mozart wrote his first symphony at age 8, but it was great for an 8 year old. He didn't become famous until he composed hundreds of concertos, symphonies, and overtures. Why do you think we never hear from one-hit-wonders ever again? Because they latch onto their fleeting fame, soaking in the temporary lime light, praying that somehow, their hit will last. But eventually, they become burnouts, dedicating themselves as the butt of everyone's jokes.

Now, having talent will obviously give you the upper hand. But it's learning how to utilize and take that talent to maneuver yourself in a way that puts you ahead of others. And always remember to never let your ego get in the way of what you do. Praise is nice and all, but praise is also one of the main ingredients for becoming cocky. Being modest and humble will get you farther in life then you know.