The “It” factor

We like to think that “It” is something you are born with, an indescribable factor that only a special group of people have, an outlier.

Let’s be clear, “It” is a lousy way to describe the years of practice and emotional labor someone has dedicated to perfecting their craft.

We rather attribute someone’s fortune to good genes, overnight success and luck because it makes us feel better about ourselves, to let us off the hook. (Of course, it doesn’t.)

Perhaps someone was born in the right circumstances with the right genes with the natural ability to be extraordinary at their craft. I doubt it. More likely, we see someone who has failed over and over again and has found a way to persevere, we are looking at someone who has been through the trenches.

Give the respect that is deserved and recognize that you can be there too–if you dare enough.