I was recently asked a whole bunch of questions by a journalist…. here is my response.
Talent versus drive:
As an entrepreneur we face much adversity, in fact, we are like those clown punching bags that you hit which keep bouncing back up. You have to have drive, persistence and passion. There is no faking it until you make it.
You must truly believe in your purpose and keep going and going as if this was the last day to get it done. I have met some very talented people who have no real drive. Even if I look at those people who got the best scores at high school – they were not necessarily driven to achieve. They had nothing to prove. They were already there.
Me, on the other hand, a total ‘middle of the roader’ with a not very impressive academic record wanted to prove that I could make something of myself. To create something bigger than myself… something that will create a legacy….RedBalloon Changing gifting in Australia forever – so people have vivid stories to share.
Scott Maxworthy says
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
— Calvin Coolidge
Scott Maxworthy says
Hi Naomi,
Absolutely. Always interested in why people go into business for themselves – what do most successful athletes, business people, actors etc say "It took 10 years to become an overnight success". Like exceptional stand out talent instant overnight success is equally very very rare. Most times its just hard work, finding your niche and delivering something customers want and need.
The most important element in all of that is to love what you do – wealth, success, etc is a by product IMHO.
Love your work 🙂
Naomi says
I knew someone far more interesting had said it far better than I… at least we agree.