We are born with potential. During the early years of our childhood, we begin to explore and display our talents and interests. Parents, grandparents, teachers and friends see those talents. They begin to speak to us about our potential.

Having potential is a blessing and it is nice to have others recognize that we do. Their recognition can be motivating. Potential can be converted into accomplishment.

We can become frustrated if our potential goes unfulfilled. Obstacles get in the way. Some of these obstacles are unavoidable. For example, a world class athlete may experience a severe injury that ends the dream of becoming a star. A new dream may be required.

However, a much more common reason for failing to achieve our potential is own personal inaction. We get lazy. We fall behind in the development of our skills. Excuses begin to replace accomplishment. Soon we may quietly give up.

Those in our lives continue to remind us of our untapped potential. Their earlier recognition of our potential become reminders that we are falling behind and failing. They may say of us (or even to us) that we are “never going to amount to anything.” Don’t let them be right. At any point in life, it is never too late for accomplishment to replace disappointment.