“Everyone has talent. What’s rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads.”–Erica Jong
How do you define yourself to be talented in a particular field of art?
Talent can’t be measured by the number of years you have spent in mastering that art. Cause some might take years to be recognized and some people get instant success and they both are talented in their own ways.
While growing up, just being smart was good enough in life, You were one notch above the rest but now today in the ever-changing world, being smart is not good enough.You have to be much better than that. You have to be gifted and talented in your specific field to garner any level of recognition.Being average in today’s world is a real curse. It’s like you don’t exist. There is no specific place for you, no rewards, no accolades for you. You really have to be a cut above the rest to be able to be visible today.
People were more generous and accepting before now there is cut-throat competition in every field….where you constantly have to prove your self..in every quarter, in every semester, in every damn period they review you.
There is no place for mediocrity as if we have become some superhuman species.
It really has become hard to keep up with the pressure, either you are at the top or trying to reach the top. It’s a constant struggle.But if you are satisfied where you are in your life with what you have, then you are readily labeled as mediocre and your life is labeled as stagnant. Contentment can make you less ambitious, they say.
So I ask again what does being talented mean? Does it mean that something can only be done specifically by you in your own trademark way? or something totally unique that no one else possesses.Are you born with a specific talent or can you acquire it while growing up?
As Benjamin Franklin said,
“Hide not your talents, they for use were made,
What’s a sundial in the shade?”
― Benjamin Franklin
Then again, how do you measure the real talent in the people? Are they really talented and enjoying what they are doing or they are merely bowing down to the ever-increasing pressure of the society to prove their worth continuously.
It is indeed a tall order to be talented these days.
Don’t you think?
–Megha
This post is in response to the daily prompt Viable
Megha's World 
A thought provoking blog Megha, I can quite well co-relate with the sentiments of angst and frustration you have expressed here… Society is intent to make robots of humans!!
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Exactly, People are so bogged down by materialistic pleasure and hoard to finish first. They erase the thin line between the talent and skills you acquire.
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Such an inspiring article. I do not get much time to write and I feel that I have lost touch with my muse. Love how you have talked about how talent should not be hidden away but polished daily and made to shine.
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Thanks for the feedback.Writers never loose the muse, it just hides for while when the daily grind peels off your back ,I’m sure you will get back to it.All the best!!
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Thanks dear. 🙂
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What I have experienced and observed is people don’t really realize their talent(s).
They try to mould as per the demands of their surroundings
and are after social recognition and endorsement from the society.
I don’t think Tansen, Shakespeare, Socrates, among others gave a heck about recognition.
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Yes exactly sticking to your guns and to do things you like is a bold step in today’s society.
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Talent is something one practices and practices to shine above those on the same stage, whether it’s at work, school or writing. On my path to improve my writing and catch up with those who were shining brighter than I was, I lost my style of writing. Frustration soon followed. I realized, I misplaced my way of telling stories as I followed a method to show my talent. Now, through blogging I’m regaining my way without worrying about shining above anyone. My post are based on what is on my mind and heart. I am to help and help anyone find hope. Thank you for your post. They are intriguing and thought provoking.
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Yes that very true when we are trying to mirror other we lose our own originality.Im glad you are trying to do things your own way.Not only it will give you contentment but success too.
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“Contentment can make you less ambitious, they say.” .. Yes totally agree with you on this part.
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Thanks.
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I enjoy the reflection. I think we may be born with a talent but in some cases it is latent and we have to sharpen it as one sharpens a knife or it doesn’t shine.
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Such a thought provoking post, Megha. 🙂
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Thanks Norma.Ramblings of my mind
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