&gt; Talent may be what separates the top 1% or performers from the top 5% (where that tiny edge matters) but for the vast majority of the bell curve, hard work counts for so much more than raw aptitude.<p>Perfectly summarized by one of the inspirational banners at my gym (a local independent that caters heavily to student athletes) reads, &quot;Hard work beats talent when talent isn&#x27;t willing to work hard&quot;.