Talent vs persistence: Who wins?

Talent is usually perceived as an inherent skill that allows the person possessing it to do something without trying as hard as someone who does not have that particular talent.

Persistence is the drive to continue trying to accomplish something even though your previous attempts may not have been successful. Example: learning how to play “Hallelujah” on the keyboard after your 156th attempt, even though it might have taken your best frenemy 25 attempts.

No, there's no better or worse here. Your “friend” may be more talented than you but if you're more persistent than them, then you, my friend, might win the race that is life.

Talent is great, talent is a divine gift, but never underestimate the power of determination. You can be uber-talented but without consistency and some discipline your success is going to be fleeting.

– Karim Waheed, Editor, SHOUT