Thinking over the congratulatory tone of yesterday’s entry, I have a few more things to add. Balancing the karma and all that. It’s true that I have grit. It’s also true that grit is a better indicator of future success than talent or intelligence. Which is good because I’m not all that talented OR intelligent. Talent–I know plenty of people who have lots more talent than I do, but they lack my motivation and passion. They think about writing, they want to write, but somehow, they never get around to doing it. Intelligence–I’m just smart enough to know I’m not that smart.
What gives me the edge, when I let it, is working with my strength, which is grit. And even there, I’ve got room to improve–mostly how I handle rejection. So this grit, where did it come from? It’s not something I consciously developed. It has always been a part of my character. My family calls me stubborn and a shrink might suggest I’m obsessed, but those are just negative words for persistence and passion–grit. And just like talented, intelligent people are born with their IQs and their creativity, I was born with it.
I’m not bragging. I’m just saying. And let me also add that I would happily trade a little grit for an abundance of talent. Or even a couple of IQ points.
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