When Talent Runs Out

I remember using my talent to wing a college graduation speech.

Two weeks before the ceremony, I found out the student body had voted for me to speak. I felt honored and confident. The speech would happen the night before graduation, and I told myself I didn’t need to overthink it. I figured I could spend about twenty minutes pulling it together, deliver it with passion and energy, and it would land.

Why wouldn’t it work?

It had worked so many times before.

I showed up for graduation weekend, took pictures, mingled with people, and then slipped away to prepare. On my way to find a quiet space, a faculty member stopped me and said,

“I can’t wait to hear your speech!”

Without hesitation, I said,

“It’s going to be fire.”

That sentence is still branded in my memory.

It was like I was saying, Watch this.

How embarrassing is that?

So much confidence. So little preparation.

I really thought passion would carry me. Again.

I found a room, grabbed some paper, and scribbled a few thoughts in about ten minutes. Then I stood in the mirror, rehearsing it for ten more, trying to inject energy and conviction. I had this idea that I’d make the graduating class stand up while I spoke directly to them. I just knew that would be the moment.

Then I gave the speech.

Fumbled a few words, but I got through it.

It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either.

I stood there afterward, waiting for compliments. I had even rehearsed my response:

“Thank you—I just wish I had more time to prepare.”

But the first person who walked up to me didn’t say any of that.

She looked me straight in the eye and said,

“Did you even prepare?”

Ouch.

I had no words, because she was right.

I didn’t.

I had leaned on talent. I winged an opportunity that deserved more. And the worst part? I almost excused it again.

It was just one speech.

But reflecting on it now has me thinking:

How many areas of life are we doing the same thing?

Leaning on talent. Avoiding the real work.

Telling ourselves it’ll be “good enough.”

Even when it isn’t.

My talented friends, you need to hear this.

At some point, we all hit a wall.

Talent runs out.

And when it does, you’ve got two options.

Make excuses.

Or grow.

So let’s talk about what it takes to grow when talent is no longer enough.

1. You Need a Purpose That Pulls You Forward

A lot of people hit their limits and assume that’s it. That this is as far as they go. But they’re not stuck—they’re just operating without a deeper reason.

A strong purpose pushes you. It adds weight to your decisions. It gives your growth a direction.

Ask yourself:

• What am I building?

• Who am I becoming?

• Why does it matter?

If your purpose doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

2. Be Honest: Talent Isn’t Enough

You’ve got to admit it. The way you’ve always done things isn’t working like it used to.

Where are you coasting?

Where are you underprepared?

Where are you just getting by?

Until you’re honest with yourself, you’ll keep making excuses and calling it strategy.

You can’t grow until you get real.

3. Build Structure Around Your Purpose

Big dreams with no systems won’t get you far.

You need clarity. You need direction. You need a plan that’s actually doable.

Start here:

• Choose one goal that matters

• Add challenges that push you

• Lock in habits that keep you steady

• Set priorities that protect your focus

Don’t wait for motivation. Build the systems that move you even when you don’t feel like it.

4. Discipline is Not a Strategy. It’s a Decision.

There’s no shortcut. No perfect routine. No hack.

Discipline is what happens when you decide to show up. Again and again.

It’s what builds momentum when motivation fades.

It’s how you stay sharp when no one’s watching.

It’s how you develop consistency that actually lasts.

If you’ve been winging it lately, you already know it. And you also know it’s not working.

You don’t need another idea.

You need to show up.

5. Accept That Growth Takes Time

You will not see instant results.

You’ll feel stuck sometimes.

You’ll wonder if it’s working.

Keep going.

Some days, all you’ll do is revisit your purpose. That’s still growth.

You’re shaping how you think and how you respond. That matters.

Be patient with the process.

Not every win shows up fast—but the change is happening.

6. Stop Chasing Cheap Wins

If you’re chasing applause or the next adrenaline rush, you’ll always be reactive.

Cheap wins feel good, but they fade.

They don’t build depth. They don’t shape identity. They don’t prepare you for anything bigger.

Let go of the pressure to impress.

Focus on becoming someone solid.

7. Remind Yourself Who You Are Becoming

You will forget.

That’s why you need daily reminders.

Not of what you’re doing—but of who you’re becoming.

Read your purpose.

Revisit your vision.

Ask, “What would the future version of me choose right now?”

Stay connected to your identity.

It keeps your decisions aligned and your effort focused.

8. Grow Every Day

This is how you move forward.

Not all at once. Not when it’s convenient.

Every day.

Growth isn’t always loud. It’s not always exciting.

But when you stay consistent, it changes everything.

You won’t always feel it.

Some days it’ll feel like a step.

Other days like a stumble.

But keep going.

That’s the difference between people who rely on talent and people who build legacy.

You’re not chasing something. You’re becoming someone.

✍️ Reflect and Apply

Take 5 minutes and ask yourself:

• Where in your life are you still relying on talent instead of discipline?

• What’s one habit you can build this week that aligns with who you want to be?

• What would it look like to show up with full effort in the space you’ve been coasting?

👉 Next Step

Write your purpose down (if you need help, shoot me an email).

Put it where you’ll see it every day.

Read it out loud tomorrow morning.

If you’re serious about moving past your talent, start there.

Let that reminder shape how you show up. 💯