Practice Over “Smart”: Why Hard Work Always Wins
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I am sure you have heard it before.“Hard work and consistent practice will take you further than smarts and talent ever will.”
I know. It sounds a little counter-intuitive, especially in a world that praises “giftedness,” celebrates overnight success stories, and loves a good talent-driven narrative. Over time, the more I see it—hard work and practice always win in the long run.
And the more I think about it, the more comforting that feels.
Because if talent and smarts are the key to success, then most of us are just… out of luck. Talent is unpredictable. Intelligence has limits. And neither one guarantees that you’ll keep going when things get hard.
But practice? That you can control. Effort? That you can choose, again and again. Showing up? That’s available to everyone.
And honestly, practice is usually where the magic happens.
The Problem With Being “Smart”
I’ve worked with a lot of kids and adults over the years, and one pattern shows up again and again: the people who lean too heavily on being “smart” or “naturally good” at something… tend to burn out fast.
Why?
Because being smart doesn’t teach you how to handle frustration. Being talented doesn’t teach you what to do when you fail. Being naturally gifted doesn’t teach you how to build stamina, patience, or resilience.
Smarts and talent can get you started. Practice and effort are what get you through.
Practice Builds Muscles You Can Actually Use
When you practice something, you are training a set of muscles that talent alone can’t touch:
Consistency
Resilience
Problem-solving
Self-trust
Grit
Follow-through
These skills don’t come from being good at something. They come from trying, failing, adjusting, trying again, wanting to quit, and choosing not to.
And in the long run, these are the skills that matter most.
Where Talent Does Help
Now, I’m not saying talent doesn’t matter. It does! When you combine practice with something you naturally enjoy or have a knack for, it’s like adding fuel to a fire. It grows quickly and burns brightly.
But even then, the practice is what keeps it burning.
One saying I like is: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” And it’s true every time.
Getting Started
A Small Reflection for You
Think back to something you do well today: cooking, writing, skiing, parenting, speaking up for yourself, running a meeting, playing an instrument, organizing your home, being patient with your kids…
Were you actually “born good” at it?
Or did it come, little by little, through practice?
My guess: practice played a far bigger role than you give yourself credit for.
Your Turn: What’s Worth Practicing?
So here’s my question for you:
What’s one thing in your life that’s worth practicing, not because you’re good at it, but because you want to get better?
Not a talent. Not a gift. Not something you “should” be naturally great at by now.
Just something you care enough about to keep trying.
Because that’s where the growth lives. That’s where the transformation happens. That’s where the long-term wins come from.
Talent is lovely. Smarts are useful. But hard work? Practice? Showing up again and again?
That’s the part that will take you further than you think.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.