The Agony of The-Feet

Have you ever seen the feet of a prima ballerina? Or of a champion marathon runner?

When we think of these individuals, we tend to think of beauty and grace. Of skill and talent. Of the standing ovations and awards.

We think about their strength and endurance, their smiles and their grace. Maybe we even wish for their abilities. Wish we were born or gifted with the same capabilities that they seem to naturally possess.

But we rarely think about their feet.

If we did, we’d see a much more accurate depiction of their journey. We’d have a better understanding of the truth.

We’d see the blisters and bruises. The cuts and scrapes and bunions and missing toenails. What we’d really see… is the work.

Every time you see someone “effortlessly” rising the ranks, “smoothly” climbing the corporate ladder, or “easily” accomplishing their dreams, it’s easy to dismiss them as lucky. As possessing some natural gift that makes success come quickly and easily to them.

Here’s the thing. Research indicates that it takes an average of six years to become an “overnight success.” Still others state that it takes 10 or more years. Either way, it makes you stop and think that maybe we are missing something. Maybe overnight isn’t the best word for it. Maybe there is something we are overlooking.

We don’t get to see the years of lessons and practice. We don’t see the mountain of rejection letters. We don’t see the hours, days, and years spent trying, failing, learning, growing, falling and getting back up just one more time that it takes to “make it look easy.”

So what does this all mean?

Well, for starters, it means that talent can be a great place to start, but that maybe it isn’t the be-all and end-all of ultimate success. And maybe it also means that we need to rethink how we are judging each other - and ourselves - in this world. Maybe it means that, as we are building our own version of success, we need to increase the number of tools in our toolbox.

• Talent is nice to have, but is not a requirement.

• Ambition is necessary, but cannot function on its own.

• Determination is required.

• Patience is priceless.

And then there are the ever important tools of grace, resilience, and a good sense of humor. Because sometimes it is necessary to take a step back, laugh at ourselves, and then pull ourselves right back up to try again.

So the next time you see an elite athlete on the podium or a ballerina at curtain call, rather than dismiss their success as a gift or a talent, remember their feet - the literal part of them that connects them to the ground, that roots them to their purpose. And remember that you, too, can accomplish whatever it is you put into action. And no matter if it takes a day, a month, or six to ten years, you, too, can be an overnight success.