A Natural?

The idea of natural ability is shoved into our minds at a very early age. I still remember my Kindergarten teacher telling me that I was a natural when it came to reading, but unbeknownst to her, I had already learned how to read before I entered her class. I didn’t have an affinity for words; instead, I just had more practice with them then the other students. So even though I was at a young age, I did not let the label of being a “natural” at reading go to my head; I continued to practice reading.

Coaches tell some of their “star players” they are naturals at their sport. Upon hearing this, the athlete starts to slack off on practice because if the idea of a natural truly exists, then why even bother to practice? Stating that someone is a natural seems to create a certain mindset that since he or she is a natural at something, he or she can go against the 10,000 hour rule which is completely incorrect. Famous athletes have been told that he/she have a natural ability for the sport he/she plays, but the difference between them and the others who were told at an early age that he/she had a natural ability is instead of deciding not to practice, the famous athlete worked hard to gain recognition. Sure, some athletes are built to be star athletes, but physical ability is worthless if someone decides to rely on “natural” ability versus practiced skill.

Michael Jordan is a perfect example of an athlete that was not labeled as a natural at a young age, but then greatly surpassed those who were labeled as “naturals”. Carol Dweck describes Michael Jordan’s struggle to greatness in her book Mindset. She states that Michael Jordan was cut from his varsity basketball team in high school, wasn’t recruited by his college of choice, and even wasn’t drafted by two NBA teams that could have chosen him first. Michael Jordan pinpointed his mistakes and worked at the things he was struggling with, creating his own success. Now that Michael Jordan is seen as one of the most legendary basketball players of all time, some people still see his success as being his physicality and not his willingness to work.  Michael Jordan corrects their mindset by saying “The mental toughness and the heart are a lot stronger than some of the physical advantages you might have. I’ve always said that and I’ve always believed that.” 

I personally do not believe in such a thing as a “natural”. Physical maturation and opportunity is never considered when the label of a “natural” is being used. If someone wants to be successful in life, he or she must not rely on a label. As my track coach always told us “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” This means that the only way to surpass ability is with practice.