What Picasso Knew About Becoming Brilliant
Are you a Picasso fan?
I am, but not for the reason you think. I like his paintings. They’re amazing. But I LOVE his work ethic.
Did you know that Picasso created around 13,500 paintings and 100,000 prints and engravings?
Yep. That dude did his thing EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Was he talented? Absolutely!
But were his most celebrated achievements the product of pure genius? Or the culmination of years of effort, hard work, and dedication to his craft?
If Picasso was teaching a Masterclass (which is obviously what Picasso would be doing if he was alive and kicking), I bet he wouldn’t be telling students to rely on their natural talent.
He’d be demonstrating specific skills and reminding them to keep practicing!
Talent is over-rated.
If you want to become BRILLIANT at something:
- Start by picking SOMETHING you’re interested in because it’s easier to work hard for a long time when you enjoy your work. I’m guessing that Picasso liked making art!
- Do that SOMETHING every day. Not just on days when you’re feeling motivated. Betcha Picasso had days when he wanted to stay home in his pajamas – just saying.
- Watch and learn from folks who are already brilliant at that SOMETHING. Picasso had all kinds of muses, collaborators, and influencers.
Don’t set around waiting for some combination of talent and circumstance (or trendy AI writing tools) to save the day.
Start learning. And practicing. And putting in the effort. Like Picasso!
