Stop Comparing Yourself: Ability vs. Aptitude

Have you ever found yourself looking at someone who seems to excel effortlessly and thought, “Why can’t I do that like they do?” In today’s episode of Equipped To Be, titled “Stop Comparing Yourself: Ability vs. Aptitude”, we’re tackling a common struggle – the tendency to compare your hard-earned abilities to someone else’s natural aptitude.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when your progress doesn’t match their success, but understanding the difference between ability and aptitude can help you break free from the comparison trap. Let’s explore how you can stop measuring yourself against others and start celebrating your own unique strengths!

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because something doesn’t come naturally, it’s not worth pursuing.” Connie Albers

Ability and Aptitude Defined

Ability and aptitude are often used interchangeably, but they mean two very different things. Ability is your current skill level or competence in performing a particular task. It’s something you’ve developed through practice, training, or experience. On the other hand, aptitude is your natural potential to do something well – it’s the talent or inclination you’re born with, even before formal training.

Think of it this way: ability is the result of hard work and dedication, while aptitude is an innate knack for something. Both are valuable, but they represent different aspects of personal growth. Understanding this distinction can help you appreciate your unique strengths without falling into the comparison trap.

Understanding the Difference Between Ability vs. Aptitude

Ability is what you can do right now because you’ve practiced, trained, or studied. It’s the skill you develop over time. On the other hand, aptitude is your natural potential to do something well. It’s the raw talent that doesn’t require as much effort.

Imagine this: You and your friend decide to learn how to juggle. You spend hours practicing, dropping the balls more often than not. Eventually, you get it, but it’s taken a lot of dedication. Your friend, however, picks up the balls and starts juggling almost immediately. They seem to ‘get it’ without much practice. That’s the difference – your friend has an aptitude for juggling, while you had to develop the ability.

One isn’t better than the other. Your ability represents your hard work and commitment. Your friend’s aptitude means they started a little ahead in that skill. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. It’s not fair to you.

Now, why am I telling you this? Because so often, we compare our abilities to someone else’s aptitude. We look at someone who seems naturally good at math, sports, or art and think, “I’ll never be as good as they are.” But guess what? Their natural aptitude doesn’t make your hard-earned ability any less valuable. Hence, we need to celebrate the unique wiring of others without comparing ourselves to them.

Stop Comparing Yourself: It’s a Trap

A few years ago, I was working on a project requiring much writing. I love to write, but it doesn’t always come naturally. I had to pray and put effort into making my words flow. But some of my fellow authors can write page after page without breaking a sweat. I found myself feeling frustrated and even a bit defeated.

But then I realized something – I was comparing my hard-earned ability with their natural aptitude. Instead of feeling down, I decided to focus on what I could control: improving my skills, little by little. That perspective change made all the difference.

Celebrating Your Unique Wiring

It’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap. We all do it. However, recognizing that some people have a natural inclination while others have to work hard helps you focus on what truly matters: doing your best.

Instead of thinking, ‘I’m not good at this,’ ask yourself, ‘How can I improve my ability?’ Your unique wiring is a beautiful blend of aptitudes and abilities. Use your strengths to push yourself forward, and don’t be afraid to work hard in areas that don’t come naturally.

This week, think about one ability you’ve worked hard to develop. Celebrate the progress you’ve made. Then, think about one area where you have a natural aptitude and find a way to use it more. When you focus on your personal growth, you’ll find that the comparisons fade into the background.

Wraping It Up

Remember, your value doesn’t come from how easily something comes to you or how you compare to others. It’s about doing your best and being true to your unique wiring. Whether you’ve developed your abilities through practice or discovered an aptitude along the way, both are valuable.

So, let’s commit together to stop comparing and start embracing the journey. Your best is more than enough. Keep growing and learning, and keep being you.