I created a kinetic typography that expresses the sentence I came up with, ‘There are two ways to use the word ‘talent,’ one is used to compliment, the other is used as an excuse.

I thought of this sentence when one day, I revisited an old design video from Chris Do’s YouTube channel, where he was mentoring an intern on magazine layout designs. Watching them again sparked a sudden realization in me: there are two distinct ways we use the word “talent.” The first is as a compliment, a recognition of someone’s skill or ability. The second, however, is as an excuse, a justification for something we believe we cannot achieve. This insight struck me because, during my initial viewing, all I could think was, “Wow, how did she create such intricate designs? I could never conceive something like that.” However, a year later, upon revisiting the video, I realized that I had grown. I was now capable of achieving the same level of design I had once deemed impossible.

This experience taught me an important lesson about perception and self-belief. Often, we look at others’ accomplishments and dismiss them as talents beyond our reach. We use the word ‘talent’ not just to admire but also to create a barrier for ourselves, a reason why we can’t achieve similar feats. But this mindset is self-limiting. Labeling others as ‘talented’ can sometimes be an unconscious way of excusing ourselves from striving for similar success.

The moral I derived from this experience is profound. Whenever you catch yourself attributing someone’s success to mere ‘talent,’ pause and reflect: Are you genuinely complimenting their hard work, or are you using it as a veil for your insecurities or perceived limitations? Recognize that using ‘talent’ as an excuse only hinders your growth. Instead of limiting your potential, embrace the journey of continuous learning and improvement. Keep working towards your goals, even if the path seems daunting or unclear. Remember, success often lies at the convergence of passion and perseverance. Your abilities are not fixed but can be expanded and refined through dedication and effort. In the end, what we often label as ‘talent’ is usually the result of relentless hard work, passion, and a willingness to learn and evolve.