What skill have you tried to learn -- really practiced it a lot for years -- and still not gotten it?

What I’m wondering is if it is possible to work at something for years and still not get any better at it. It seems to me that most people look at how good someone is, and tell them they have a remarkable talent for that thing. But no one points out that the person has been practicing for twenty years or more. They better be good at it!

So think about your life, and think about what you have spent the most time doing. Have you improved? Why did you choose this thing as the thing you wanted to spend so much time on? Do you remember all the work you’ve put into it when you demonstrate your skill? When people admire you, and tell you you have a talent, do you feel special—like you really are different based on something other than hard work?