I was listening to a DOAC podcast recently with Kevin Hart, and as he told his story, something occurred to me. We often hear people say things like “oh, he’s alright, he’s funny enough” or “well, she’s just built like an athlete,” as if talent or natural attributes alone explains success. But when you actually listen to the full story – the graft, the commitment, the setbacks – you realise how much more there is beneath the surface.
I’ve always loved biographies for this exact reason. Not the tabloid stuff, but the real journeys. I get a sense of inspiration from them and the same goes for podcasts: there are so many gems tucked into people’s experiences if we listen closely. The more I listen, the more convinced I am that when someone makes it (whether as a comedian, sprinter, writer or whatever) we should let them shine, rather than diminish their achievements.
It reminded me of Sir Ken Robinson’s idea of finding your “element” – the place where your natural talent and your passion meet. Once you find it, everything changes.
The Full Story Behind Success
Kevin Hart didn’t become Kevin Hart because he was “quite funny.” He became who he is because he chased his dream with an almost unreasonable level of commitment. The same is true for athletes like Siya Kolisi. Yes, he’s strong, fast and skilful, but countless people have those traits. What sets Kolisi apart is what you don’t see: the resilience, the leadership forged through hardship, and the decision to go all-in on what mattered most to him.
Biographies and deep interviews often reveal exactly this. Beneath every “overnight success” is someone who kept showing up long before anyone knew their name. Sir Ken Robinson spoke about this beautifully: many people never discover their element simply because they never look for it. We assume talent should announce itself loudly. But more often, it’s discovered through curiosity, trying things out, noticing what comes alive in us.
Let People Shine – It’s Not a Competition
There’s a subtle habit many of us fall into: downplaying the achievements of others. We say things like “she had good genes” or “he got lucky.” These comments seem harmless, but they take away from the reality that someone found their element and had the courage to pursue it.
Here’s the key realisation I had: If you’re not meant to be a singer, don’t pull down those who are. Let them revel in their element. And then go and find yours.
Other people’s success is not a threat to us. It’s a mirror. A reminder of what’s possible when someone discovers what truly makes them tick and commits to it wholeheartedly.
Finding Your Own Element
Over the years – in coaching, rugby, business and life – I’ve noticed a pattern. The people who flourish are not necessarily the most talented. They’re the ones who get clear about what matters and lean into it with consistency and heart.
Here are a few ways to start uncovering your own element:
Make space for reflection – Most people are too busy to notice what energises them. Create pockets of quiet. Ask yourself what you’d do even if no one noticed.
Experiment without judgement – You often don’t know what you’re good at until you try. Give yourself permission to explore: sport, writing, organising, mentoring, creating, leading.
Pay attention to the feeling – Your element usually brings a sense of ease. Not that it’s effortless, but it feels right. You feel engaged, curious, alive.
Accept that the path is rarely linear – Your interests will evolve. Your priorities will shift. That’s normal. Your element might look different at 18, 38 or 58.
Use it to serve others – Our gifts are meant to be given away. For me, what truly makes me tick is seeing people realise their own potential and watching them take flight, fully aware of their innate abilities.
Conclusion
We’re all put here with gifts, not necessarily the gifts of a Kevin Hart or a Siya Kolisi, but gifts nonetheless. It’s not selfish to share them; it’s selfish not to. When we celebrate others, we give ourselves permission to step into our own element.
So let people shine. Let their stories inspire you. And then do the real work: discover what makes you come alive and pursue it with heart and soul.
That’s where flight begins.
Patrick Hickman 