I played chess with my co-workers at a former job during lunch. I barely knew the rules when I started and struggled at first. I began to practice somewhat obs

I played chess with my co-workers at a former job during lunch. I barely knew the rules when I started and struggled at first. I began to practice somewhat obsessively and I got to the point where I could regularly beat most of my co-workers within a year. It could be argued I have an inclination for something like chess, but the connection between practice and payoff was more apparent playing chess than just about anything else I've ever done. Chess has also taught me to think ahead a few moves and to realize that sometimes a short-term loss is worth it for a long-term gain. All things I see as essential for entrepreneurship. In my youth, I used to just think people were just "good" at something, and there was little they could do to influence it. I did software because I was "good" at it. Over the years, I've realized that an inclination or talent is important, but relentless years of honing one's craft are more important. I've watched a couple of my "smarter" friends waste away due to lack of focus and other people shine seemingly in spite of themselves.