You don't have to be world-class
Most of us won't be the next Tiger Woods or Michael Jackson. Or Ernest Hemingway or Oprah, for that matter. And that's OK.
Here's the thing. Being world-class at something takes work. It's not for 99% of humans. That's why there are only so many experts in a particular field.
But you don't have to be discouraged if you're trying to be the best at something. There is another approach to becoming valuable as a human being. It's called the talent stack approach.
Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert (a funny cartoon strip), first highlighted the concept of talent stack.
Talent stack is about becoming good enough at a few skills.
You don't have to be the best writer or public speaker in the world. But if you combine these two skills at the intersection, you will be better than most writers or public speakers. Because there are only so many good writers who are good at public speaking too.
The idea of a talent stack has so much potential. You can cherry-pick skills you like, learn them until you're good enough, and still become an expert.
The programmer with good enough designing skills.
YouTuber who is also a good writer.
The personal trainer who knows about longevity.
The entrepreneur with a great work ethic
A good enough standup comedian with great public speaking
Following this approach, you don't have to become the best at something to succeed. You can be pretty good at many things and still be successful.
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