http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2007/01/how-to-become-a-better-programmer-by-not-programming.html

There's a general theme amongst programmers where you either have what it takes or you don't. The problem is, how do I know if I have what it takes?

I really hate the phrase "you either have it or you don't" when relating to anything. In a lot of cases, it's probably true right now but I really can't bring myself to accept that it'll always be the case for things I set my mind on, especially for things I enjoy doing.

When people mention it, it's always as if they're talking from a "I have what it takes perspective" too. Without reading their code, which most do not have available, it's also hard to tell if they can say those things with such authority.

I know there isn't a clear-cut test for it but I'm just wondering if there's any way to determine?

It doesn't matter too much. If it turns out I don't have what it takes to be a good programmer, I fully believe it's something that can be changed.