Being called talented feels great until something gets hard. Being known as someone who works carries you further.

Talent is a flattering explanation and a fragile one. If you are good because of what you are, then the first thing that does not come easily becomes evidence against you, and quitting starts to look like honesty. Being known as someone who works has no such trapdoor: difficulty is just the next bit of the job. One of those labels survives a hard month.

Watch which story you tell about your own results this week. When something comes slowly, say that it is early rather than that you are not built for it. Then put in the hour, which is the only part that moves anybody forward.