I’ve been thinking about how much intelligence contributes to success compared with effort and persistence. Being able to learn quickly seems like a huge advantage, but plenty of intelligent people struggle to reach their goals, too. How much of a difference do you think IQ actually makes in real life?
I think IQ matters quite a bit, especially when learning complex things or solving unfamiliar problems. But it’s not the only factor. Motivation and consistency make a big difference in what you actually accomplish.