Part 12/14:
Maya critiques society’s emphasis on innate talent—describing it as a fixed mindset—favoring instead the transformational power of effort. She recounts her own experience with learning a second language later in life and the tangible cognitive expansion it brought, proving that skill acquisition and improvement are accessible at any age.
She champions the idea that progress and perseverance, rather than raw talent, are the true sources of achievement and joy. Recognizing one's potential for growth fosters motivation and resilience—a lesson applicable to everyone, from veterans transitioning to civilian life to aspiring musicians or lifelong learners.