Many studies suggest that we are myelin beings. And that talent is a flexible, responsive adaptation rather than a fixed genetic trait. It’s the idea that all skills are grown via a cellular mechanism involving the thickening of myelin around neural circuits in response to specific signals. Explaining myelin is a lot of explanation this early morning, I will write a proper letter on it.
But it’s an interesting research, it opines that with each effort we make at learning a skill, whether or not we are successful at it, the myelin wounds round a neural circuit, this causes a thickening. The more effort we make, the better we become at that skill.
First, what do I think?
I think talent is a fixed genetic trait that is enhanced by training, nurture, habits, environment, and hard work. Whether the above are present or not, talent exists as more than a potential but as attributes and capabilities. Enhanced by hard work but present as a potential or crude capabilities. Talent is always visible. Its always there.
e.g., A child may have the capacity to build an aircraft engine if trained, but he has an impressive understanding of wires and electrodes at age 5, that is talent.
He may be destined to speak multiple languages but is intrigued with communication, dexterous with a vast vocabulary, and quite knowledgeable with the application of basic to complex syntax and language structure. That is talent.
Most people confuse innate talent with developed skills. Let’s try to explain this:
If I pick up the skill of cinematography today and I become great at it- that’s a skill that I’ve picked up regardless of whether I have the talent or not. It’s different from my innate talent as a writer, that if I apply the same effort in, I will have more results. It means that anyone really could be trained to do anything and they will be great at it without a genetic trait. You don’t necessarily need genetics to learn anything as long as you pay attention to it and you are willing to work hard at it. That is the 10 year rule of 10,000 hours.
While talent points us in the direction we need to nudge children. It’s a pointer that promises huge gain. We do less work because interest and capabilities already exist. For an adult, the reality is starkly different - he or she is trying to survive. With the right attention, and sacrifice, he could learn anything and be great at it depending on the structure of the curriculum and his ability to apply himself.
Talent makes it easier for you depending on some factors.
Factor 1. Is this skill paying?
This is a survival question for an adult. Reality is different for this 35- 40-year-old man/woman. You’re not trying to build robots or paint the rainbow because ‘the nations are waiting’ waiting to collect school fees and pocket money, waiting to pay rent and send stipends home to your aging parents.
But this does not mean at all that talent has no place in the adult conversation, it just means you have to be more strategic, realistic , and deft. Talent always makes it easier no matter how old you are. But the tradeoff at this age is far higher. Not many people can pay for it.
So folks pretty much endure this uninteresting vocation and job without fulfilment and ignore the talent conversation. It’s a dilemma. I’d say, ‘just make money, pay your bills, and forget about the fancy stuff, you’re not a kid anymore’ but it’s not that simple. No one outgrows the rockets flying about in their minds. It’s there till you’re 80!
I think being able to function in the area of your talents and giftings is a lifetime opportunity that you should give a chance. I also believe it makes things a lot easier if you’re at the financially rewarding intersection. I mean if your talent is paying you. I have a workbook that could help you figure out your talent, package and sell it in 30 days.
There’s an intersection between your talent and what could pay your bills. Not immediately but eventually. I also think being able to be financially responsible is a must. So whatever you are doing now to put food on your table, I doff my hat for you.
Before you go:
1. I have two books that will transform your life.
Drive will energize your mind and equip you with daily strategy and clarity to advance towards your goal without loss of energy and enthusiasm. Click here: https://abiolaiyiola.vercel.app/ to get your copy.
Income to Wealth is a workbook that will help you to recognize your talent, structure, package and sell it. Click here to buy.
2. Pick my Brain
Book a 1-hour intensive clarity session where I structure your gifts, talents, experiences, and skills and turn them into clear product and income ideas by sending an email to iyiolaabiola@gmail.com.
3. Build a strong personal or business brand
Let me shape your brand, teach you how to write with clarity, and confidence, help you communicate with purpose, and tell stories that connect, persuade, and convert across all digital platforms.
Have a great week and breakthrough from within
©Abiola Iyiola, 2026
Image: Freepik
