"My natural ability is my shortcoming. I'm not looking for the easy way out. If it takes a little bit longer I'll get there."

When someone says their natural ability is their shortcoming, they're pointing out an interesting paradox. It's like this: sometimes, if you're naturally good at something, you might take it for granted and not put in the effort to truly hone that skill. You might coast along on talent instead of working hard—so, in a way, your gift becomes a sort of handicap. This person recognizes that and is determined not to take the easy way out. They know it might take longer, but they're committed to putting in the work to really master whatever they're doing.

Think about when this might have been said. Maybe it's a professional athlete who, despite being naturally gifted, realized that to be the best, they couldn’t just rely on talent. They had to train harder, practice longer, and push themselves beyond their comfort zone. This mindset is like a nod to that old saying, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine a young pianist, Emily. Emily's got an ear for music—she can play a tune after hearing it just once. Everyone praises her talent. But when Emily auditions for a prestigious music school, she finds out she didn't make the cut. Why? The teachers tell her that while she plays beautifully, her technique needs work. Emily realizes she’s been coasting on her natural ability and hasn't put in the hours of disciplined practice. Instead of giving up or looking for a shortcut, she decides to double down. She practices scales, works on her finger positioning, and studies music theory. It’s frustrating and it takes a lot longer than she’d like, but eventually, she gets there. She not only gets accepted into the school but excels because she combined her talent with hard work.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by identifying an area where you have natural ability. Then, instead of resting on your laurels, push yourself harder in that area. Take the long route, if you will. Try not to take shortcuts or look for the easy way out. Whether it’s in your career, a hobby, or personal development, commit to putting in the time and effort to really get better. It might take longer, and it might be frustrating, but the results will be worth it.

Imagine you're trying to learn a new language. You’ve got a good ear for accents and can pick up phrases quickly. That’s great! But don’t just rely on your natural knack for mimicking. Dive into the grammar, practice speaking with native speakers, and maybe even struggle through a few novels in that language. It’s not the easy way, for sure. But think about how much more fluent and confident you’ll be in the long run.

Here’s a little story to bring it home. Picture a high school basketball player named Jake. Jake’s tall and naturally athletic. He’s the star of his team without breaking much of a sweat. But then he gets to college, and suddenly, everyone’s as tall and as athletic as he is. The coach gives him a choice: either work harder than he ever has before or sit on the bench. Jake decides he’s not going to take the easy way out. He spends hours in the gym, works with a personal trainer, and watches endless game footage. It’s tough and it takes time, but eventually, he earns his spot as a key player on the team.

So remember, talent can only take you so far. It's the hard work and dedication that’ll get you the rest of the way. If it takes a little longer, so be it. You'll get there.