Talent or Skill?

A Place for the Eye to Rest presents ideas for you to think about. It does not presume to answer questions. If you are open to thinking about things that might be uncomfortable, read on....

Talent or Skill?

Talents are unique strengths that your particular personality, and physical make up bring to life.

What are the highest and best uses of your talents? Can you take talents that you recognize in yourself and maximize them? Do you have talents that are as yet under-recognized and under-developed?

Talents come to us naturally. We may learn how to develop them and share them so that they are useful to others and more completely fulfill you, but they are always there. We may enhance them by developing skills and acquiring knowledge.

Occasionally we have unrecognized and underdeveloped talents. Others may see this clearly, but because we are so innately endowed with a particular talent, we can't see it. A coach may be needed to clarify and encourage you to see and develop your talents.

The mindfulness movement encourages us to "find our bliss."

What that really means is to self contemplate and self access to determine what is uniquely you. "Do you" is another current affirmation meant to encourage finding your own talent, your passion, and to develop it.

Fear, employment constraints, relationship demands, circumstances and the overwhelming skepticism of others are all impediments to talent development. Perhaps rightly so, however a talent not used is never going to develop. A slow, steady approach may work in these situation. For other situations a wholehearted, unhesitating dive into talent development holds an irresistible appeal, and then a positive outcome.

Applying your talents on a a daily basis can be rewarding...or repugnant. If your were told you only had a limited life span and you decided to make the most of each day, each moment, how would you live? Well, guess what! You have a limited life span. We all do. That knowledge should affect how we live. It should affect how we interact with others and what we do with our talents, today, tomorrow and on a daily basis.

Applying your talents may require attitude adjustments.

You may be bemoaning the fact that you have to go to work. Are you using your talents at work? Can you? Does that recognition change your attitude toward work? What is required is a contemplation of what your talent is exactly, and a reorganization of your perspective (attitude) on just what your role is at work and how your talent can be applied there.

Do you feel that that your work is so disconnected to your talent that there is no chance of applying your talent? Only weekends or days off offer you the freedom to activate and apply your talents? While that may seem true, it may overlook opportunities at work, and at leisure. A thorough examination of your attitude toward work and leisure and your talents may alter your perspective (and attitude).

The ability to immerse yourself in both work and leisure may indicate a real appreciation for the balance in your life.

How is your approach toward work and leisure coloring your attitude. If your talent is the ability to appreciate the balance in life, how are you personally applying that? Remember the "limited life span" theory? Making an attitude change can alter your perspective toward everything; your work, your leisure, your talent, your relationships.

Waiting "until" is synonymous with living in an avoidance mentality.

It has been said that "until" never comes. Know that there is always another "until" just around the corner. Until the kids are grown? Until my husband approves of it? Until our finances are in order. Really?

What message is that sending to your kids, or anyone else? Perhaps you are a good provider, steady and committed, responsible. All good things! Waiting for "until" also sends a message that you don't really believe in your own talents, that you are not thinking too deeply about uncomfortable options, that your efforts are not directed at the future, or any number of other things that you might just want your kids to think about for themselves and their future.

"Until" is really now!

Have you evaluated your environment? Are your friends and companions constantly complaining about their work, the lack of possibilities in their lives, the limits of their future? You have a natural desire to fit in, and follow their lead. You find yourself complaining about the very same things. You either need new friends, or you need to "do you" and be a leader that encourages new perspectives and attitudes that better serve yourself and others.

Using actual "attitude adjusters" such as drugs or alcohol, can be a negative influence on your talents. You control this so it is even more damaging that an environment that is filled with negative influences. These adjusters can momentarily buffer frustration and disenchantment and lack of momentum. You will find they do no good in the long run. See them as putting a band aid that has been dropped in the dirt on an open wound. Don't expect much positive to happen.

So after you have adjusted your attitude, improved your environment, limited negative influences, how can you gain the skills that are necessary to promote your talents? Study, application, effort, experience, seeking opportunities; all are helpful in talent development and skill building. But what if these things require time and effort? Well, then, just forget it! Sarcasm! Remember that you have 'limited time" and not pursuing your talent because of the effort required sounds a little like a cop out! or fear of failure? Greatness and mastery are not achieved without commitment and effort.

Reaching a goal requires 'relentless forward motion." Word by word, let's break that down. Relentless means constant, not now and then when it is convenient or comfortable. Forward means moving toward a goal. The movement may not bring instant access to the goal, but it can be just that much closer. Motion indicates that you are moving. Put them together and you are constantly moving in the direction of your goal.

We began this discussion with the idea that we all have a talent. Talents must be nurtured, skills developed. When nurtured and developed, talents can burst forth like fireworks or be as bright as a sunrise. Going toward the light can be an uncertain and uncharted journey. Popular cartoon characters admonish us to "Move it, move it, move it!"

So "be you" and "follow your bliss" where ever it takes you. Move forward however slowly or rapidly. You have a "limited time," make the most of it.