Everyone has some sort of ability – be it great or small. But ability isn't what makes someone great. What makes an individual truly great is when they work hard at something - when they push themselves to do more. They rise to the challenge and exceed standards with flying colors with their abilities - and ability comes in all different forms.
So what is ability?
As defined by Google, “ability” is the “possession of the means or skill to do something” or “talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area”.
Now, a bird isn’t hatched knowing exactly how to fly. It must be taught and nourished. It has the ability to fly and one day it will.
(not my photograph)
So what is ability?
As defined by Google, “ability” is the “possession of the means or skill to do something” or “talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area”.
Now, a bird isn’t hatched knowing exactly how to fly. It must be taught and nourished. It has the ability to fly and one day it will.
(not my photograph)
So think, What are my abilities or talents? Or maybe just: What do I tend to spend most of my time doing that I enjoy? What is something you want to do for the rest of your life that there is no way you wouldn't do it.
Maybe you think you are a flightless bird, like a penguin.
(also not my photograph)
Maybe you think you are a flightless bird, like a penguin.
(also not my photograph)
Well, I used to think that. I didn't think I was really good at anything.
I discovered that it's okay to be a penguin.
You can fly, just in a different way. You fly underwater - you swim.
(Again, not my photograph)
I discovered that it's okay to be a penguin.
You can fly, just in a different way. You fly underwater - you swim.
(Again, not my photograph)
It's different way of travel, but you'll still get where you're going.
So just because you think you may be flightless, look for the positive side of things. Even if you don't think you're good at something that you are passionate about, keep trying.
For me, that something is doing creative things such as drawing or writing stories. I was not much good at drawing when I was little, but I kept trying. I improved little by little each year.
One of my favorite things to do is background stuff that most don't care about. I go into detail and make sure the continuity is right - because that's one of my pet peeves. Bad continuity.
For example, below are some pictures of a town that I created for a character in a story of mine. The main character doesn't live in that town anymore, but it's part of the history. And that is a key factor to the story.
So just because you think you may be flightless, look for the positive side of things. Even if you don't think you're good at something that you are passionate about, keep trying.
For me, that something is doing creative things such as drawing or writing stories. I was not much good at drawing when I was little, but I kept trying. I improved little by little each year.
One of my favorite things to do is background stuff that most don't care about. I go into detail and make sure the continuity is right - because that's one of my pet peeves. Bad continuity.
For example, below are some pictures of a town that I created for a character in a story of mine. The main character doesn't live in that town anymore, but it's part of the history. And that is a key factor to the story.
Another one of my favorite things is designing a character's home. Most often, I do a layout of the entire house.
Below is a slideshow of some examples of my work. Some are still a work in progress.
Below is a slideshow of some examples of my work. Some are still a work in progress.
So that's an example of my ability.
It's not perfect, but it doesn't have to be. Nobody starts off at anything being perfect. In fact, is it possible at all for an individual to be truly, “perfect”?
The definition of “perfect” is “something completely free from faults or defects”.
And, just a hint, there will always be a flaw.
If it isn't on the surface, it's somewhere within – where one cannot see them. If you can't see them, you may not know they are there. But there they stay, hidden and triggering other problems.
So sometimes it's better to be able to see these flaws. Otherwise, you know it has to be fake. Far too good to be true.
(Below is a marker drawing by me)
It's not perfect, but it doesn't have to be. Nobody starts off at anything being perfect. In fact, is it possible at all for an individual to be truly, “perfect”?
The definition of “perfect” is “something completely free from faults or defects”.
And, just a hint, there will always be a flaw.
If it isn't on the surface, it's somewhere within – where one cannot see them. If you can't see them, you may not know they are there. But there they stay, hidden and triggering other problems.
So sometimes it's better to be able to see these flaws. Otherwise, you know it has to be fake. Far too good to be true.
(Below is a marker drawing by me)
Moving on.
What do you think about natural ability?
Is it something you have?
Or is it something you crave and desire?
Maybe you don't care either way.
Whatever you think, please take this into account.
When it comes to natural abilities, you're better off with out it. Now you're probably thinking, “What?! Sabrina, you've lost it! Why wouldn't you want natural talent?”
The answer is simple. Those without natural abilities, who work hard to accomplish things can be more proud of their accomplishments. Those with natural abilities don't get quite the same satisfaction.
And if you still think that isn't the case, remember: everyone envies someone else.
You are envied by someone for something you take for granted.
Let's say you envy someone's drawing style. That person you envy might very well envy you for the same reason. My friends tell me that they are jealous of how I draw, yet I am jealous of how they draw. So we accept that and help each other improve by giving pointers.
In the end, who's to say which artist is truly better? Both put the same amount of heart and soul into their work... So what gives someone the right to say who is better?
In the end, ability doesn't matter. Take what you can do and make the best of it.
Here's an inspirational piece to help you be you.
What do you think about natural ability?
Is it something you have?
Or is it something you crave and desire?
Maybe you don't care either way.
Whatever you think, please take this into account.
When it comes to natural abilities, you're better off with out it. Now you're probably thinking, “What?! Sabrina, you've lost it! Why wouldn't you want natural talent?”
The answer is simple. Those without natural abilities, who work hard to accomplish things can be more proud of their accomplishments. Those with natural abilities don't get quite the same satisfaction.
And if you still think that isn't the case, remember: everyone envies someone else.
You are envied by someone for something you take for granted.
Let's say you envy someone's drawing style. That person you envy might very well envy you for the same reason. My friends tell me that they are jealous of how I draw, yet I am jealous of how they draw. So we accept that and help each other improve by giving pointers.
In the end, who's to say which artist is truly better? Both put the same amount of heart and soul into their work... So what gives someone the right to say who is better?
In the end, ability doesn't matter. Take what you can do and make the best of it.
Here's an inspirational piece to help you be you.