Let’s get this out of the way early: you’re probably smart enough. In fact, most people are. Intelligence, the kind you’re likely measuring in academic accolades, test scores, or natural problem-solving, is rarely the reason people don’t hit their goals.
So why do some people thrive, create, launch, finish, lead, and evolve, while others stay stuck in the “I’m thinking about it” phase forever?
It’s not about smarts.
It’s about stamina.
The Lie Intelligence Tells You
There’s a trap that clever, capable people fall into: believing that because things come easy sometimes, they should always come easy. And when they don’t (e.g., when a goal starts requiring grit, consistency, or emotional discomfort) that same intelligence starts playing tricks on the mind:
“If it’s this hard, maybe I’m not cut out for it.”
“I don’t want to fail and look stupid.”
“I’ll just wait until I’m more ready.”
That voice? It’s not the truth. It’s ego protection dressed up as logic. It’s your brain, built for survival, not greatness, telling you to sit down and stay “safe.”
Discomfort Is the Admission Price
The people who get what they want, whether it’s a degree, a new body, a six-figure business, a published book, or a whole new identity, aren’t necessarily the smartest in the room.
They’re the ones willing to look foolish.
To try again.
To stay consistent after the initial buzz wears off.
To bet on themselves when no else will and there’s no guarantee it’ll work.
They choose discomfort over delay. Every. Single. Time.
Because at some point, their dream becomes a non-negotiable.
Talent Can’t Outrun Tenacity
There are wildly successful people who started with far fewer advantages than you: less education, fewer resources, no cheerleaders in their corner. The difference? They didn’t wait to be convinced they were good enough. They decided they wanted it and that was enough.
They studied, showed up, learned through action, failed publicly, and kept showing up until they couldn’t be ignored. Talent is a great foundation. Tenacity is the reason we remember people’s names.
What “Wanting It” Actually Looks Like
“Wanting it” isn’t whispering affirmations in the mirror. It’s not the vision board you make every year.
It’s:
- Saying no to things that don’t align.
- Doing boring, repetitive, and unsexy work.
- Choosing progress over perfection.
- Taking imperfect action when fear says “wait.”
- Continuing when you’re tired, embarrassed, underwhelmed, or doubting.
It’s making the decision every day — not only when you feel like it.
You Don’t Need More Genius. You Need More Grit.
Let this sink in: the fact that you’re even wondering whether you’re smart enough means you likely are. People who aren’t (smart enough, that is) rarely ask that question. You’re not lacking intelligence; you’re at a fork in the road.
One path is comfort: keep analyzing, waiting, preparing, and perfecting.
The other is commitment: start before you feel ready. Show up even when it’s hard. Finish even if it’s messy.
You already know what you want.
You already have the capacity.
Now it’s about deciding if you’re willing to keep showing up for it—over and over—until it’s yours.
Final Thought
This ideology isn’t about self-worth. It’s about accountability. If the thing you want keeps tugging at you, it’s probably yours to claim. Not because you’re the smartest, but because you’re the one who will commit to maintaining it.
So, yes. You’re smart enough.
But, how badly do you want it?
Because that resolve…that grit—not IQ— will determine your outcome.
Lence in Layers 