How to convince someone they can learn

Many people are convinced they cannot learn, citing things like "I'm not gifted enough" or "That other person is naturally great at what they do". This is a terrible self-deprecating philosophy. Worst of all - it's false.

Think of the people you admire - Michael Jordan, Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Mozart, surgeons, teachers, sports people...

Are these people naturally gifted? Maybe.

Did all of them work hard? Yes, absolutely.

Intelligence and physical ability are certinaly fixed in certain respects. I can't grow to 7 foot no matter how hard I train. Fluid IQ appears fixed no matter how many brain training games I play.

But I can train my muscles to grow and get stronger and fitter. I can read and solve difficult problems to increase my crystallized IQ.

I don't need to natural talent to get better. Jordan, Einstein and Mozart did not get to where they got to by natural talent. Each practised for tens of thousands of hours.

Skills are built. Mastery is earned, not given.