What is Potential?

I have been thinking about the word ‘potential’. 

What is potential? Is it simply that somebody is promising, or capable, or has the ability and the facility to be better than they are?

Is it an expectation of a level they can get to? Can we quantify it? Could we be limiting people by imagining their potential? 

Does potential have a limit? And if not, then why do we use the phrase ‘reaching your potential’? 

The dictionary definition is this;

adjective

having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future. "a campaign to woo potential customers"

noun

latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. "a young broadcaster with great potential"

The definition suggests that potential is limitless.

Potential is a word that I use a lot in coaching and casting to describe how far a singer can go, how good they can become and how successful they could be. It is a prediction, an expectation that we stamp on someone based on their anatomical capability, technical ability and mindset. We use our experience, knowledge and instinct to make these predictions.

My thoughts on this were prompted by a conversation I had with a singer recently. I questioned a limitation that she had stamped on her own potential. I found myself commenting that I had known really brilliant singers who had not reached their potential and some, not so great singers, exceed theirs and have long and successful careers in the arts. My point being ‘reaching potential’ may actually come down to mindset over ability. I would never encourage a singer to pursue a singing career if they had absolutely no chance of having one but I also don’t want to impose my estimations if they will limit their possibilities. This singer is intelligent, determined, vocally capable and has a great work ethic. I feel that if she applies her skills and focus in the right way her potential could be huge. Why should I limit her potential?

When I am considering a singer’s potential I put natural facility, musicality, technical capability, performance skills, expression etc. under the heading ‘ability’ and determination, resilience, ambition, passion, focus etc. under ‘mindset’. Therefore, in simple terms; 

Ability + Mindset = Potential

The equation needs to be balanced but the proportions on each side don’t have to be equal.

BUT potential must be recognised by the individual. It doesn't matter how much potential I think they have if they do not see it themselves. It is important that they determine their own potential and embark on the road towards it.

What do you think?

I would love to know your thoughts

What could you achieve if you believe in your potential?