Counterpoint: Calling an Athlete Naturally Talented or Gifted is an Insult
Last weekend while at a wrestling tournament someone made the comment to me that my son was a naturally gifted athlete. Like most things people I don’t know say to me, I took this comment with a grain of salt. However, the memory of this moment hasn’t died easily.
The truth is, I took this person’s comment as an insult. While I may not be angry at this insult, it is a teachable moment. Comments like this are a good reminder that people on the outside looking in have no clue how hard anyone works to look like they are a natural.
Athletes are not born strong or fast. Whether it’s physical strength or the strength of being really good at something. Simply stated, it’s mentally lazy to envy someone’s athleticism and then write it off as natural.
Yes, athletes are born with talents and gifts based on the nature and nurture their parents provide. However, without investing in these natural talents and gifts they won’t develop into noticeable strengths that others admire.
There is just no way to develop noticeable strengths that others admire without investing an enormous amount of time practicing and training. This is a fact.
With this in mind, my suggestion to all is straight forward. The next time you praise an athlete who delivers a high-level performance because of speed or strength, admire their work ethic not the appearance of natural talent.