Just read this in the book I am reading which kind of fits to the quote you posted:

originally in German:

"Natürlich bedeutet ein Potenzial nicht automatisch die Fähigkeit dazu, da dies nach dem Entschluss dazu erst entwickelt werden muss."

Translated in English:

"Of course, having potential does not automatically mean having the ability, as the ability must first be developed after making the decision to pursue it."