Skill is not solely cultivated through interest or aptitude, but by continued effort and persistence. In many cases, one’s initial passion or ability for something can be an indicator of where success in a given endeavour can be achieved, but it’s the ongoing practice of any skill that develops it into greatness.
In its most practical utility, passion gives way for obsession to take over—for us to engage deeply in an activity and hone our skills. We can try to feign an interest in something, but we’ll never be as good as someone else if our heart isn’t in it. This isn’t to say that development isn’t difficult—because it can be an exhausting journey for even the most enthused—but the sustainment of that skill development will far surpass that of a disinterested person.
To achieve mastery, find what motivates you intrinsically, cultivate activities that give you a sense of challenge and excitement, and dedicate yourself tirelessly to improving. The road to greatness comes to those who tell themselves the truth.