As I've grown older I've consistently proved to myself that if I keep at something I do get better at that thing, even if it's a slow process. It's tough, but long term goals, and persistence does pay off.

Source: playing piano, learning to code, learning a new language. I still suck at all the above, but each day brings me closer to not sucking.

As for ten thousand hours, my advice would be don't count hours, and learn to enjoy the process of learning.