What do the people who master their craft do differently than the rest of us? Deliberate practice.
Creativity is a sport in itself. You’re not going to reach the top of your game just by showing up and working 9-5. Putting in a lot of time might make you tired, but simply working a lot isn’t enough to make you a top performer. It’s not the same thing as deliberate practice. Most people who think they are working hard are merely developing the skill of being in the gym, not the skill of making baskets. What Allen Iverson was unable to grasp, is that practice is more important than just showing up to the game with your God-given talent. The difference between those with inherent talent and those who dominate the game is a commitment to mastering your craft, even without a crowd.