FINDING YOUR TALENT So, you’re determined this year to hit the mark; make that goal; turn that resolution into reality! And then you remember all the reasons why you didn’t do it years ago. It mostly had to do with something you thought you couldn’t overcome … an innate “weakness” of sorts; something you were “just born with (or without). How can I possibly achieve that goal if I simply don’t have the talent, the gift, or the strength? And yet some of us don’t even know where to look for our own talents. We are unconscious of them, having lived so long thinking – believing – that we are just a certain way. Perhaps you’d love to teach a class but being shy you can’t imagine standing up in front of strangers or worse yet, people you know to demonstrate a skill. Yet, this shyness makes you empathetic to certain small children or those who are uncomfortable in front of an audience. You could actually teach how to get past the shyness! Perhaps you avoid conflict at all costs and yet this trait would be a great balance to being on a committee for your town improvements. You would be the sound of reason. Perhaps you’re stubborn and quick to anger- though this makes you an excellent defender of others. Pick a trait you struggle with, or one you see as a weakness or fault, and find the gift in it. And then pledge to yourself what you will do with it this year. We teach what we most need to learn! This actually made me laugh, because I know, that my greatest weaknesses are also the key to my greatest strengths. I have a vivid imagination, which lets me think outside the box, at the same time, I can drift off sometimes. I choose to use it every day, to propel me toward what I want, looking for new ways to achieve, and learned that it is okay, at times to let it go and just spend a few moments adrift. Another weakness is that I am very emotional. On the other hand I use that characteristic to listen more deeply to people and find what is really under what they’re saying. It has helped me be a better life coach and Certified Anger Management Specialist II. I think by being emotional, and sensitive, I can understand people better. Sometimes my long fuse which would normally be looked at as an asset can be my demise because I put up with certain behaviors from others too long thinking “they’re going to understand it sooner or later,” when if I stopped and explained to them what is bothering me it would save both of us time and excessive energy. I choose, however, to look at it as a part of my tenacious nature which also manifests in unwavering dedication. But, yes, I can sometimes pursue a goal long after I should have let it pass. Then there’s the “problem” with my brain! I can be fairly organized but it’s as if my brain doesn’t keep all of its data. I’ll file something away, organize my office or car and then think … “where on earth did I put the flyers I need for this week?” My brain is saying “Well, it’s done, so no need to remember it.” On the other hand that can be a good thing because I don’t get hung up on minutiae. This article is to frame a perceived weakness as a strength. When you look at what you think is a weakness, also look to its opposite to see where it could be utilized. We have to re-think our way out of the self-contained box. Because we have been programmed to believe something about ourselves does not necessarily make it true (whether that’s a good thing or not). We need to remind ourselves of how many of our thoughts have become unconscious beliefs and whole belief systems about who we are or rather think we are! It reminds me of my need to WAKE UP. It reminds me of the need to love and accept myself, regardless of how ditzy I can be. (They don’t call me Lin-duh for nothing!) It’s a reminder that a person can just do the best they can do, and that in the long run not very much is as important as we thought it was. I once knew a fellow life coach who bought herself an emerald ring. This ring had a real significance to it. It was flawed. She purposely bought it to remind herself of the fact that some of her flaws just might turn out to be some of her greatest assets. When you start making those promises to yourself, or wondering what you did with those resolutions regarding what you’re going to change about yourself … may I make a suggestion that you reconsider those “flaws” and see how valuable they really can be? You just might be doing yourself and the world a favor.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:55:14 +0000
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