After reading Dana’s recent post about it taking 10,000 hours to master any skill, I was reminded of conversations I’ve had with people that introduce me to their friends as “an artist.”
“This is Robin, she’s an artist. She’s always been able to draw really well. blah blah…”
Of course, I’m flattered that they think I draw well, at all. The problem is implying that I have some kind of innate talent. I feel that some “skills” involve physical assets to be accomplished. It’s not likely that a really bulky person will ever be a master contortionist because the size of their muscles might get in the way of certain compact poses. I suppose how your voice sounds on a very basic level has a huge effect on whether or not you’ll ever be able to sing.
Drawing, however, is all about training.
I draw better than someone that doesn’t draw simply because I draw.
I draw better than someone that’s only recently started drawing because I’ve been doodling since I was 4 years old. I’ve trained my hand to create images I see in my mind. Over time, I’ve trained my -mind- to see the world around me in simplified ways that allow it to be drawn. Hand-Eye Coordination & Perception… both things that are affected by time spent working on them, I’ve had the opportunity to hone for almost two decades.
So, if there’s something you want to do. Anything. Don’t look at the people that do it and give them some sort of “super powers” in your mind. They are normal people. They’re just like you. They’ve just lived a lifestyle that allowed them to put in the work. You could change your habits, right this minute, and be on the road to success!
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