This seems to lead to an apparent paradox that perhaps great achievements regularly come from courageously overcoming obstacles, and are not a consequence of original aptitude, but rather the absence of aptitude. True strength can never be derived only from talent but from the courageous struggle with difficulties. Whoever overcomes wins. In Individual Psychology we are looking for the situation in which a person feels confronted, and does not feel able to overcome a certain problem or difficulty. Therefore, we have to look for the direction in which such a person is striving.
Geniuses get up early.
I have found in all artists and geniuses that they had to overcome difficulties. This overcoming is a strong incentive. Diligence and interest. People are accustomed to considering difficulties as something negative. Adler made difficulties something positive, because the desire to overcome the difficulties develops the striving in the individual.