You are probably familiar with the saying “hard work beats talent”. I can say that this phrase is often used by untalented people who are trying to make up for the lack of what comes naturally to those they admire. I agree with this statement.
Hard work will win over talent every time. Especially if this talent is not fully developed and equipped with the right technique, which can take a person from an amateur to a professional. That is, if the person in question wants to elevate their raw talent and cultivate their craft to the next level. I have great respect for those autodidactic people who have been able to successfully enhance their natural gifts without any guidance, but I also think we can agree that autodidactics is a gift in itself. For most ordinary people like me, it’s not enough to have pure and raw talent. You must invest in your growth and strive to learn from those who have gone the same way as you. Whatever talent you have existed for centuries before you got here, and previous generations have had time to study it and come up with tricks to do it effectively. There is a “right way”, although some may disagree. The thing is, there really is nothing new under the sun. So if you’re a talented person, no matter how talented you are at Liveme, if you feel like there’s more to it than what you can already do, then it’s probably because it is. I’ve compiled a list of 7 steps that I think are necessary in order to bring your natural talents to their full potential.
1.State your WHY
Why do you do what you do? I have listened to countless coaches, lectures, and motivational speakers explaining this concept, and each of them gives it a different meaning. But it all comes down to just knowing your purpose. Why are you singing? Why are you playing? Why are you writing? Why do you make people laugh? By taking the time to answer this question for yourself and formulate it correctly, you will lay a solid foundation on which you can develop and improve. The insidious part is that some of us look to outside factors to answer this question for ourselves, when it should all be about discovering and celebrating your personal identity. What you need to look for is your intrinsic motivation. When you have clearly defined your WHY for yourself, it will help you focus on what matters most. It will lift your resolve and give you the resilience you need to keep going when you experience setbacks or obstacles. Because trust me; obstacles are waiting for you right here to make your move and you will need your aim to help you deal with them. So be sure of your WHY.
2. Learn the necessary techniques
Find out what you need to learn to take your natural talent to the next level. What techniques are needed to improve your performance? Do some research about your craft on Liveme. Are there other variations or forms? What research has been done in your discipline? Let’s say you are a talented dancer. Learn the basics. What genres? Assess your skills. What category do you fall into? What is your dance style called? What other forms would you like to learn? This is how you create a common ground for cooperation with others, and it is also a way to protect your abilities. I know some very talented singers with the most beautiful voices who get sore throats or lose their voice after every performance because they didn’t take the time to learn “the right way to sing”. Therefore, the time spent on knowledge and mastery of the technique is of paramount importance. Also keep in mind that this is not a one-time activity. The more you learn, the more room for improvement you will find, but only when you know the possibilities will you achieve more. So find out what you should be able to do.
3. Know your strengths and weaknesses, then focus on your strengths
As students, we have often been bombarded with SWOT analysis assignments, to the point where we are literally sick of it. But being able to clearly identify your strengths and weaknesses has its advantages. One of my weaknesses, for example, is that I’m not a very good performer. I care less about the extravagance and theatrics people want to see, and knowing it’s a weakness has led me to work with other people who can teach me a thing or two about stage presence. Some will say that I took the easy path to Liveme by collaborating with others, but trying to eliminate my weaknesses with someone else’s additional skills is one of the most effective ways to learn. Just focusing on your weaknesses will increase your self-doubt and will do nothing for your self-confidence. You will get more by increasing your strengths. Watching yourself progress on what you are good at and what is more satisfying and will keep you motivated to move forward beyond your limits.
4. Create your own formula
“Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.” According to the internet, this is a quote from Pablo Picasso… I have my doubts about this, but this statement makes a lot of sense. When you spend some time learning the skills and techniques of your craft, after a while you will come to the conclusion that you don’t need them all. Then you start putting together your own system for getting results and filtering out what works for you. We may have similar talents, but each authentic soul has a personal touch that makes their work unique. This personal touch and your most helpful lessons, put together, create your own special formula. Instructors may show you how they did it and try to get you to duplicate their work, but remember that you have your own blueprint. Their journey may look like yours, but you have a different path. So whatever you decide to put in that bag you packed before you hit the road, be sure to grab those proven tools that work for you. Make sure you bring your own formula.
5. Accept constructive advice, but don’t ask permission
Sometimes we find ourselves in a quandary where even when we achieve the ability to stand on our own two feet, we still feel the need to turn to our mentors for advice or feedback. And that’s okay. There is nothing wrong with getting feedback on your work from those who taught you. Also because I think it’s okay to require some validation from your teachers, but asking permission to do what you want to do should never be the case. This is a category of authority that is assigned to you and only you. And let’s just put it this way: any teacher or mentor who doesn’t direct you to be completely self-reliant is not to be trusted. Whenever you are sure you have what you need, by all means, start your journey. Don’t wait for someone else’s opinion. Don’t ask them to vote on your decision. The only permission you need is yours. Just go.
6. Do the job
The only thing that matters is your job. This is something I have had to learn the hard way, as someone who is always trying to see the big picture and navigate what I consider to be the scope of what I do. That’s fine too, but if we’re not careful, we’ll be able to catch everything that’s within those limits, except what’s our real craft. What I take away in the end is that when it comes to developing your talents, you have to put in the hours and get the job done. Everything else is next on the list, but your work, your real product, should be the priority. Of course, this is not the same situation for everyone. Sometimes we are ready to invest in work, but we are not ready. Then, when we are ready, life happens, and suddenly we are in a place where we have to change priorities. But no matter what the situation, you need to find a balance that will allow you to produce. You may have to delay your goals and allow yourself to slow down just as well, but don’t stop. Forget about obstacles. Forget about time. In the end, your work will speak for itself.
7. Celebrate your progress
I got into the habit of celebrating my progress a few years ago. When you celebrate success, big or small, you encourage yourself to do it again.” I’ve never looked at it like that before, and it stuck in my head. If, for example, you’re trying to master a certain skill or technique and you hit a wall, you can get demotivated to keep going but when you consistently celebrate your ascension to the next level, no matter how small the step, you fuel that intrinsic motivation that keeps you going and reaching for more so always be grateful for your growth and Celebrate your progress Even if people try to intimidate you into not acknowledging and being proud of your progress You are the only one who truly knows and understands how much your progress is worth So with each new stage of further development of your talents reached: celebrate !
We can add a lot to this list, but I believe you can follow these 7 steps: start with your WHY and begin your journey to improve your natural abilities in Liveme. If you have other important steps, feel free to comment below. Let’s talk about Talent and Growth 😉