This is a scenario that has played out again and again, in my classroom, on the athletic fields and on the racquetball courts.
An extremely talented individual appears. They are so gifted I cannot believe my good luck! I know they will be a superstar!
At the same time a seemingly ordinary person appears. They have “average” or “below average” written all over them.
I naturally believe the first individual will be the super star. But their work habits are not very good. My natural inclination is to work harder with that talented person.
Meanwhile “average athlete” is working hard and practicing. And working more and practicing. The competition arrives. So-called “average” is kicking butt and taking names.
Superstar has lost early and has a ton of excuses.
An old saying in the teaching profession-“80% of our attention goes to 20% of our problem students.”
It should be the other way around!
You would think coaches and teachers would learn but in our defense most coaches and teachers do have a “save the person” motivation and we always try because once in awhile we do succeed.
So if you are coaching or helping someone, and they are not doing their part, remember don’t be a fool for the 80-20 rule!