"何か創造的なことをしたくて、センスがあり、そのセンスが良いのに、技術が十分に磨かれていないとき。"

You know that feeling when you have this brilliant idea, but you just can't seem to execute it quite right? That’s the core of this quote. It’s like having a gourmet recipe in your head but only knowing how to make instant noodles. Your taste is impeccable—you know what good looks like, sounds like, feels like. But your skills? They’re just not there yet. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Imagine this: It’s the early 2000s, and you're someone who loves movies. You dream of making films that move people, that make them laugh, cry, and think. You know what a good film looks like because you’ve watched the greats—Scorsese, Spielberg, Tarantino. But when you pick up a camera, your shots are shaky, your lighting is off, and the editing? Let’s not even go there. This was a sentiment shared by Ira Glass, a renowned storyteller and radio producer. He pointed out that people who get into creative work do it because they have good taste. But there's this gap—the gap between your taste and your ability to create something that measures up to it.

Let’s get practical. Take the example of a graphic designer. Jane, fresh out of college, loves minimalist design. She’s consumed by the works of famous designers and knows the difference between a good layout and a great one. Her taste is top-notch. But when she sits down to create her own designs, they fall flat. They lack the polish and sophistication that she admires. So, what does Jane do? She keeps at it. She practices every day, takes online courses, seeks feedback, and gradually, her skills start catching up with her taste.

How can you apply this wisdom? Simple—don’t get discouraged. Recognize that the gap between your taste and your skills is normal. Embrace it. Keep working at your craft, whatever it may be. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate the progress. If you’re a writer, write every day. If you’re a musician, play every day. The key is consistency. Your taste will guide you towards excellence, but only persistent effort will hone your skills.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with your friend, Sam. Sam’s learning to paint. He’s got an eye for color and composition, but his brushwork is amateurish. You can see he’s frustrated. You tell him about the taste-skill gap. You remind him of the time you tried baking that elaborate cake—you knew what it should look like but ended up with a lopsided mess. But you didn’t stop baking. Each attempt got better and better. Now, you’re the go-to for birthday cakes.

Sam nods, takes a sip of his coffee, and you see a spark of determination in his eyes. He agrees to keep painting, to keep pushing through the frustration. Because deep down, he knows that his taste is his greatest ally. It’s what will drive him to keep improving until his skills finally match his vision.

So, next time you’re stuck in that gap, remember Jane and Sam. Remember that every expert was once a beginner who didn’t give up. Keep honing those skills—you’ve got the taste to back it up.