Talent and fear of failure go hand in hand. When people are labelled as talented, they feel they have more to lose. They’re expected to be good, to succeed without trying. This pressure to maintain an image of flawlessness makes them avoid situations where they might fail. They stick to what they know, choosing the familiar over the challenging. But this safety net is actually a trap. It prevents growth, stifles creativity and leads to mediocrity.
Meanwhile, those who are used to struggling don’t have the same fear. They see setbacks as part of the process, not as proof of inadequacy. This freedom to fail is a gift, allowing them to take risks, experiment and innovate. They learn faster because they’re not afraid to look foolish or make mistakes. They’re driven by curiosity, not the need to protect an image. And because they don’t see failure as catastrophic, they bounce back faster and keep moving forward.
So, the question isn’t whether you’re talented or not, but whether you’re willing to fail, learn and grow. Talent might get you applause, but grit and resilience will get you to the finish line. Maybe it’s time to stop idolizing talent and start celebrating the courage to be bad at something new.