“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” – Arthur Schopenhauer

When discussing success, we often imagine an inherent genius at work, a unique talent that propels someone to the top. From child prodigies to natural athletes, it’s easy to fall for the narrative that talent is the cornerstone of achievement.

Whilst talent is undoubtedly an asset and being a genius undeniably provides a unique competitive advantage, they are not always the driving force behind success.

In fact, in today’s complex and fast-paced world, other qualities like self-discipline, perseverance, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence may play a much more critical role in determining who thrives and who doesn’t.

So, let’s take a moment to reframe the conversation about success and recognise the often underappreciated elements that truly propel people forward.

The Fallacy of Talent as the Ultimate Key

One of the reasons the talent narrative is so compelling is that it simplifies the explanation for why certain people rise to the top while others don’t.

If we believe that success is predicated on talent, then it follows that the rest of us, those without that innate gift, are off the hook.

But this is not only misleading; it’s demotivating. More importantly, it overlooks the factors within our control, like how hard we work, how adaptable we are, and how well we connect with others.

A great example is Michael Jordan, who is often regarded as one of the most talented athletes ever.

But when you dig deeper, you’ll find that Jordan wasn’t born with a basketball in his hand, pre-programmed for greatness. In fact, he was cut from his high school basketball team.

What distinguished Jordan from others wasn’t just his skill or talent. It was his work ethic, his determination, and his unrelenting discipline.

He famously said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Jordan’s success was rooted in more than just talent; his mindset and resilience made him the best.

Similarly, Elon Musk, often lauded as a genius of our time, has stated numerous times that while intelligence is important, what sets him apart is his tireless work ethic and unwavering perseverance.

His willingness to take risks and his ability to overcome adversity has been as instrumental as his intellect.

Self-Discipline: The Quiet Force of Success

While talent might get someone noticed, self-discipline turns potential into progress.

Discipline is staying focused on long-term goals, even when short-term distractions or challenges arise.

It’s the difference between someone who dabbles in various skills and someone who masters one.

In her book “Grit”, Angela Duckworth argues that success isn’t just about talent but also about passion and perseverance.

She points out that people who accomplish great things often aren’t the most talented, but they are the most dedicated.

Self-discipline allows individuals to stick to their goals despite setbacks or the temptation to give up.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, self-discipline is becoming a rarer commodity.

The rise of instant gratification through technology—social media, entertainment on demand, and even fast fashion—has created a culture of immediacy.

The younger generation, in particular, has grown up in a world where patience is rarely required.

If we want our children to succeed, we must teach them the value of self-discipline. They must learn that real success takes time and effort and that the most worthwhile achievements don’t come easily.

Perseverance: The Key to Overcoming Obstacles

In tandem with self-discipline is perseverance.

Success often requires the ability to endure hardship, failure, and frustration. Many people give up when they encounter a significant obstacle, but those who succeed are the ones who keep going despite setbacks.

Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, is famous for his perseverance. He made thousands of unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, and when asked about his failures, he famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Edison’s success came not from a single stroke of genius but from his relentless drive to keep pushing forward.

In the 21st century, where industries are rapidly changing, and job markets are evolving at an unprecedented pace, perseverance is more critical than ever.

A person’s ability to adapt and keep moving in the face of challenges will often determine their success more than their initial talent or intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence: The New Superpower

One of the most important yet often overlooked ingredients for success is emotional intelligence (EQ).

In today’s globalised and highly connected world, the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions while effectively navigating interpersonal relationships is crucial.

While technical skills and intelligence are essential, people with high EQ tend to excel in leadership roles, teamwork, and customer relations.

Why?

Because they’re better equipped to handle stress, manage conflict, and motivate others.

As organisations emphasise collaboration and communication, emotional intelligence is emerging as a key differentiator for success.

Steve Jobs, for instance, was known for his emotional intelligence just as much as his creative genius, despite his proclivity for emotional outbursts at times.

He had a knack for understanding what customers wanted, even before they realised it themselves. His ability to tap into people’s emotions helped Apple become one of the most beloved brands in the world.

However, Jobs’ EQ wasn’t just limited to customers. Though often criticised, his leadership style was also about motivating his team to push the boundaries of what they believed was possible.

The rise of automation and artificial intelligence has clarified that the future workforce will require skills which machines cannot replicate.

As tasks that rely on logic and data become increasingly automated, soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence will become even more essential.

The Role of Situational Awareness

Another often overlooked skill is situational awareness, which is assessing the environment, understanding what’s happening around you, and adjusting your behaviour accordingly.

It’s essential for decision-making and strategy, especially in business, politics, and leadership.

Leaders with strong situational awareness can anticipate challenges, recognise opportunities, and adjust their strategies to ensure success.

They can read the room, understand the emotional climate, and act to maximise their chances of success.

Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors in history, is a prime example of someone who has mastered situational awareness.

Buffet’s talent lies not just in his financial acumen but also in his ability to understand the broader economic landscape and adapt his strategies to align with market shifts.

His approach to investing is a testament to the power of being aware of and adapting to one’s environment.

The Next Generation: Are We Teaching the Right Skills?

While self-discipline, perseverance, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness are crucial to success, there’s a growing concern that we are not adequately equipping the next generation with these skills.

In an era of digital overload and hyper-focus on academic achievement, we may be neglecting the development of equally important emotional and social skills.

The education system, which emphasises memorisation and the regurgitation of information, often leaves little room for teaching skills like perseverance, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving.

Moreover, the rise of social media has created an environment where young people constantly compare themselves to others, which can undermine their self-esteem and their ability to persevere through challenges.

Parents and educators need to focus on fostering a growth mindset in children, encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities for learning rather than threats to their self-worth.

Children must understand that failure is not the end but a necessary step toward success.

We also need to encourage activities that promote discipline and perseverance.

Sports, music, art, and other extracurricular activities teach children that success doesn’t come overnight.

These pursuits require time, effort, and dedication—traits that are far more valuable than raw talent alone.

Conclusion

While talent and genius are often glorified in our society, they are not the sole determinants of success.

In the 21st century, self-discipline, perseverance, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness are arguably more important.

These are the skills that allow people to overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and work effectively with others.

As we look to the future, we must teach these skills to the next generation.

Success is no longer just about what you know or your talent.

It’s about how you handle adversity, how well you relate to others, and how you navigate an increasingly complex world.

By prioritising these traits, we can ensure that the next generation is equipped to succeed in whatever challenges they face.

Until next time, may you contribute to equipping the next generation with these critical skills for success.

Dion Le Roux

References

1. Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner, 2016.

2. Isaacson, Walter. Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster, 2011.