Olivia Jordan

Landing the Impossible: Why Persistence Matters More Than Talent

When people watch a performance or see a finished piece of work, they sometimes say, “You’re so talented.” While that is a kind compliment, I have never really thought of myself that way. Often, it takes me longer to achieve certain things than some of my peers. Over time, I have learned that progress usually comes more from persistence and practice than from talent.

I remember learning the double salchow in figure skating, considered one of the easier double jumps. Some of my teammates landed it after only a few attempts, but for me, it took months to land a clean jump and even longer to do it consistently. At first, every attempt felt slightly off: timing was wrong, rotation incomplete, or the landing unstable. Slowly, however, the movements began to connect, and the landing became more controlled.

My coach once told me that persistence is what separates serious skaters from casual ones. Many talented people quit when they cannot land a jump or improve quickly. That advice stuck with me. Instead of giving up, I learned to stay committed, making small adjustments and focusing on each attempt.

Practice is not just repetition. It is observing, adjusting, and improving step by step. In skating, music, and even drawing, progress often comes through small efforts that are not always visible to others. Talent might help someone learn quickly at first, but persistence builds deeper understanding and control.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges that required more time and effort. They taught me to see mistakes as part of the process, to be patient, and to keep practicing until what once seemed impossible slowly becomes possible. That lesson shapes everything I do, reminding me that real growth is built one small effort at a time.