You Can’t Turn a Pig Into a Racehorse—But You Can Make a Really Fast Pig

When it comes to self-improvement, leadership, or business, the saying “You can’t turn a pig into a racehorse” often gets thrown around. The message? Not everyone or everything can become what it’s not meant to be. But there’s a powerful counterpoint to this idea: while you can’t turn a pig into a racehorse, you can make a really fast pig. And sometimes, that’s more valuable than trying to create something unnatural.

Here’s what this perspective teaches us about growth, potential, and embracing what makes us unique.

Understanding the Pig and the Racehorse

The metaphor draws a stark contrast between the two animals. Racehorses are bred for speed, elegance, and competition. Pigs, on the other hand, are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and usefulness in entirely different ways.

The problem is that society often pressures us to measure ourselves against standards that don’t align with our true nature. Whether it’s in the workplace, in fitness, or in relationships, we’re tempted to aim for ideals that might not suit us. Trying to turn yourself (or someone else) into a “racehorse” is a recipe for frustration and burnout. But focusing on improving the pig’s natural strengths? That’s where magic happens.

The Power of Leaning Into Strengths

Making a pig faster doesn’t mean trying to fundamentally change what it is. Instead, it’s about recognizing its natural abilities and amplifying them. Pigs are resourceful, surprisingly intelligent, and capable of more than we often give them credit for. With the right training, even a pig can surprise you with its speed and agility.

For us, this means understanding our own strengths and working to optimize them instead of wasting energy trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Maybe you’re not naturally organized, but you’re creative. Maybe you’re not the fastest runner, but you’re resilient. Identifying your unique qualities is the first step to excelling on your own terms.

The Leadership Lesson: Focus on Development, Not Perfection

As a leader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting everyone on your team to be a “racehorse.” You want top performers in every role. But the reality is that people bring different strengths to the table, and not everyone will be a superstar in every area. The key is to identify what makes each person valuable and invest in helping them shine in their own way.

For example, if someone on your team is great at building relationships but struggles with deadlines, you might pair them with a detail-oriented teammate or adjust their role slightly to maximize their strengths. This is how you turn “pigs” into “really fast pigs”—by acknowledging their unique contributions and helping them thrive.

Embracing the Fast Pig in Yourself

This mindset isn’t just about others; it’s about self-acceptance too. Trying to turn yourself into a “racehorse” in areas where you’re naturally a “pig” leads to stress and self-doubt. Instead, ask yourself:

• What am I naturally good at?

• Where do I have the most potential for growth?

• How can I optimize my strengths instead of over-focusing on my weaknesses?

Maybe you’ll never be the best public speaker, but you can write compellingly. Maybe you’re not the best at small talk, but you can forge deep, meaningful connections. The faster you embrace your inner pig, the more successful and fulfilled you’ll be.

Celebrating the Fast Pig

At the end of the day, being a “really fast pig” isn’t a consolation prize—it’s a unique and powerful achievement. The pig doesn’t need to become a racehorse to be valuable. Its speed, developed through hard work and self-awareness, is just as impressive as the racehorse’s natural talent.

The world needs racehorses, but it also needs fast pigs, creative turtles, and adaptable chameleons. Success isn’t about becoming something you’re not; it’s about being the best version of what you already are.

So, stop chasing racehorse status. Start embracing your inner pig—and make it as fast as it can be.

What are you doing to develop your unique strengths today? Let me know in the comments!