When I was eight years old, I got a trophy at the awards banquet for the basketball league I was in.
It was the award for “Tries Hardest”.
I was completely uncoordinated with no skill. I was constantly on the floor grabbing for the ball between people’s feet. Generally, a wrecking ball for the game.
Hey...it was a trophy! Of course, with a few years behind me, I can see it was CLEARLY a pity trophy! But hey...what did I know?
You're wrong. Working hard is much more important than just being good. Eventually, an 8 year old that works hard at basketball will be good, maybe he'll never be a great athlete, but learning to work hard is one of life's most important lessons and will carry a person much further.