Do not neglect your gift.
—1 Timothy 4:14
It takes years of hard work to become an “overnight sensation.” Unless you practice long and work hard, you’ll never be one.
Hall of Famer Bill Bradley repeatedly reminded himself, “When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him, he will win.”
Bradley became a Rhodes Scholar, an NBA All-Star, a key player in two NBA championships with the New York Knicks, and a three-term U.S. Senator. Dedication will take you places.
Natural ability will only take you so far. To become really good at anything you have to practice and repeat, practice and repeat, practice and repeat.
You don’t grow professionally without putting in the work.
Nor do you grow spiritually without putting in the work.
You don’t learn before you do.
You learn by doing.