"What we hope ever to do with ease we may learn first to do with diligence."
– Samuel Johnson

There are very few things in life that I have done "with ease" when I first endeavored to do them.

When I was a baby and I first learned to walk, I assume that I didn't get up and start strolling around the room on my first try. I assume it was the same with talking.

So often we look at accomplished people whether it be athletes, writers, doctors or whomever and think how great they must have it, how talented they are and masters of their skills.

All those things are true, however, I can almost certainly guarantee that that none of them started out as masters. I can tell you with near certainty that they had to learn their crafts through diligence and hard work. I can pretty much assure you that they have to continue to work their skills/hone their talents in order to make whatever it is they do appear to be done with ease.

I believe, just as Samuel Johnson states, we have to do things with diligence if we ever hope to not only do them with ease, but to make them appear that they are effortless.