Have you ever felt that you are falling behind everybody in your class, in your family, or wherever you are? Everyone is far better than you, and you are not on the same level, not in their league? But before we get into this dreary feeling, let us first ponder on Hassan’s scenario.

Hassan woke up and, after freshening up, went into the kitchen. His mother was busy making breakfast while his father was reading the newspaper, as usual. Hassan poured himself a glass of milk. His mother handed him an omelette and toast, which he ate distastefully, as he hated eggs.

Later, at school, he saw Zaid, the best student of the class. Hassan was jealous of him as Zaid consistently scored the highest marks in every test and exam. That jealousy slowly turned into hatred and eventually desperation. Sometimes, Hassan would secretly take Zaid’s eraser, pen or pencil, hoping to disturb his performance. But Zaid had many friends who supported him, which made it harder for Hassan’s actions to have any real impact.

Looking at Hassan’s story, this kind of jealousy can be overcome by two powerful tools: talent and motivation.

First, we need to shift our mindset. Let’s stop believing that only a few kids are talented. The truth is, every child has their own unique strengths and potential. The key lies in discovering and nurturing those abilities, instead of comparing them with others.

Once that shift in thinking happens, the rest becomes easy and more meaningful. But change doesn’t happen overnight. So let’s take it step by step, with understanding and the right guidance.

Tapping into your hidden talent

This mostly means you need to try everything and anything, because anyone can do anything. Initially when you are on this track, things may look boring and without any potential. The initial difficulties you might face when trying out something, especially if it is new to you, may seem too difficult to surmount. And it may even seem that the whole world is rejecting you, but actually, it is a battle.

Face the difficulties and criticism with an open heart and look for ways to overcome them. Only you know best about yourself — you know not only your weaknesses, but also your strengths. This will lead you to try and solve the problems you face and do better. Most people can do this part, but the next one is a bit hard and prickly.

Hard work and sweat

This stage is the most important part of reaching the master level from the apprentice level. Here, all the breaks and relaxing moments end. One needs to be focused on their talent and not stop.

With enough mastery, you can get a firm grip on your talent, and then the rest is easier; the entire next framework hinges upon how hard you work and how well you can utilise the talents you have.

Let’s take Hassan’s scenario and apply these steps. Hassan is good at science and mathematics, but he doesn’t realise it. Soon he starts studying the subjects hard, because they interest him more than any other subject. However, he is weak in English grammar. He still is a bit jealous of Zaid, but now every day, he is more focused on studying than on his bad manners and plans to sabotage Zaid’s success.

So, we see a great change in Hassan’s behaviour, who is continuously changing and is turning into a better person day by day, but still, a lot of work is to be done.

Persistence and acceptance

This is the phase where you either get disheartened or lose focus. With his mind now deviated from schemes to play tricks on others out of jealousy, Hassan devotes his energy and time to himself. Hard work did seem less fun and too tedious, but having understood its importance as the only way to achieve what he envies in Zaid, Hassan persists with patience. And it pays off!

Hassan now secures the third position in his class in the next exams, and his talents have been nurtured and developed. However, his uneasy feelings towards Zaid still don’t fade. He can’t bring himself to show a big heart, nor can he overcome the lingering jealousy.

Accepting someone else’s success with an open heart, especially when it stings, is no doubt one of the hardest things to do. Yet, that very acceptance is the true test we all must pass.

Keep moving on!

Now you’ve learnt how to master the talents you possess. It may be a bitter process, but sooner or later, you’ll also need to learn to appreciate things beyond your comfort zone. Hatred and jealousy, do you really have time for all that?

Hassan, too, had to confront this truth when Zaid and his friends invited him to join their team for the upcoming volleyball championship. He was pleasantly surprised. With a genuine smile, he accepted their invitation. At that moment, all the negative feelings vanished. They played together, supported one another, and it felt as if they had always been on the same team.

Life is not meant to be wasted in envy. Cherish smiles, savour productive thoughts and form nurturing bonds. Positivity can change your life in no time. It is very important to set meaningful targets in your mind and design a framework to accomplish them.

So, recognise your hidden talents, polish them and utilise them to develop your personality to the fullest. Talents are like a vast colourless sky and you are the artist who can draw rainbows in it.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 10th, 2025