When I was in college, one of my philosophy professors suggested I should study at Harvard because I saw things in a different way. In my twenties, my future husband told me I was smart and insightful and challenged me to live larger in my career. A decade later, a mentor urged me to be less modest about the fresh perspective I brought to situations. In spite of all these messages, it took me a long time to recognize that I had special talents . . . and so do you.
The obvious question is: If we are so smart why can’t we recognize our own talents?
The phrase no pain, no gain informs the US culture of achievement. We believe if something is worthy or valuable it will require pain and suffering, or at least grit. That can be true for many things from writing a book, climbing a mountain, or growing a business.
However, the reverse is not true. Believing that something EASY can’t be valuable prevents us from recognizing our special talents. We dismiss them. Whether it’s composing a song, developing a team, or resolving conflict, we believe it’s something that everybody else can do. We dismiss what is easy for us (because we have a talent) as not valuable. It took me years before I got the message.
So listen up and don’t waste your time or talent.
Think about those things that people have said you are good at. What talent does it point to? Now see if you can recall other people who have said something similar about you (I’m betting you can). Now write down the words they have used. Then for the next week practice saying: I’m really good at __________. This practice will help you recognize and embrace your special talents. Then use those talents and LIVE LARGE!
Let me know how it goes.
Until Tuesday,
Elizabeth