Convert Potential Into Value
"...you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:7 NKJV
A $100 bill to a toddler is just another piece of paper that can be eaten, torn, or squeezed into a ball. It is worth nothing to a child. But to you as an adult, having one in your hand already helps you create mental pictures of what you can purchase with it. Why? Because it has value.
A static car isn't useful to anyone long-term. Temporarily you can take a nap or have some privacy in it, but if it doesn't help you get to your destination, you either leave it or change its purpose.
Talented people who feel proud because they're gifted but don't realise that all they have is potential will end up serving those who don't believe that talent exists. Having potential is only a form of energy that doesn't add value to anyone. Therefore, the phrase "talent is never enough" is so true.
Earlier in life, I felt that discovering my talent was the ultimate because I had only just discovered mine. But as I converted talent to value by learning new skills and following basic economic principles of demand and supply, I changed my perception.
Paper will remain just paper until it is used to wrap gifts, make books, or print money. On its own, it has potential. When converted into something that solves a problem, it becomes valuable.
Also, understand that value given to the wrong person remains potential because knowledge is required to find the perfect value-audience fit, or in common terms, "product-market" fit.
So, if you realise you have so much talent and people praise you because of how gifted you are, don't let it get to your head just yet. There's work to do.