Many people still think that real talent shows, if you book great results in your field without putting any effort into it. And that if you are not really talented if you have to put much energy into it.
Carol S. Dweck shows in her book “Mindset: the new psychology of success : how we can learn to fulfill our potential : parenting, business, school, relationships.” that this assumption is not only wrong, but also very counterproductive. She calls it a ‘fixed’ mindset.
A much better and more realistic assumption is the ‘growth’ mindset. It means that you can learn everything, if only you put enough effort into it. It’s a very inspiring book if you think that the world is static regarding intelligence or talent and if you want to learn to see opportunities instead of obstacles.
Every musician knows that practice makes you a better musician. Only an awful lot of practice an make it seem to others that you are playing our instrument effortlessly. If you think that effort is a sign of weakness or of lack of talent, you are very likely to give up once you meed the first setback.
I don’t believe that you can lean everything. But like Dweck, I’m convinced that we are all capable of much more than we think we could, if only we would put some effort into it.
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” (Thomas Edison)
Real talent needs to grow wit effort and practice. For that, you need discipline. Only passion for and interest in music can motivate you to enjoy the discipline in growing your talent. This aspect is missing in Dweck’s book. Your time is limited. Maybe you can learn anything, but not everything.
With enough effort, you can make up for some lacking talent. But why should we concentrate on talent that much? In the end, the audience will love you for your music, for the result, and not for the talent.
If you are stuck as a musician and want to learn how to move to a growth mindset, I’m happy to help you by coaching you.
Link to more information on the book.