Success in any field is a combination of developing clear goals, acquiring appropriate skills, having the opportunity to exercise those skills in a supportive environment and hard work. Too often people put undue emphasis on natural talent.

While natural talent is an important factor in any endeavor, people often fail to look deeply enough to see the importance of ongoing support and plain hard work. If you look closely at the highest level of professional athletes, for example, you will see that those we admire for having their natural talent are also the ones who work harder than anyone around them.

The trick is understanding clearly, deeply and fully what hard work is effective and what hard work is counterproductive. Too many people spin their wheels working hard yet working against themselves.