Finding Your Hidden Talents

Talent: natural aptitude or skill: flair, aptitude, facility, gift, knack: "he possesses more talent than any other player.''

by MIchael Corthell

Our talents are a natural abilities or capacities to do something, they may range from the creative arts to our athletic ability to hit a baseball out of the park. We all have abilities, but we don't always know what they are. Sometimes they are right in front of us, but we still miss them.

''Talent is God given. Be humble.

Fame is man-given. Be grateful.

Conceit is self-given. Be careful.''

— John Wooden

When we determine what our hidden talents are, we can then tap into a valuable resource which will help us in every aspect of our lives, including making a living.

How can we discover what we're good at then and develop that talent? It's easier than you think...

Listen to what others say about you. If you listen, that is pay attention, people will tell us what we're good at. Listen to the positive things they say about you, ''I love the way to tell a story.'' or ''You really know how to solve problems.'' or ''You seem to be able to fix anything.''

What is easy for you? Are there things that you do, that are really easy for you to do?  Things others may struggle with or fumble their way through?

What makes you most happy? Your talents may be telling you something. Are there topics that you just can’t get enough information on? Are there certain movies and shows that you absolutely love? Think about what it is that you love to do most in your free time. Those things are very likely your natural talents.

Talk, talk, TALK. Is there a certain subjects that you love to talk about, that you can't shut up about? The subject may be one of your hidden talents or your natural talent is associated with it.

Think back. Yes, go back to grammar school and remember the things that made you joyful. Very often when we grow up we forget about the thing that make us the happiest.

Ask them. That's right, just ask the people who know you best. As suggested above, listen to what people tell you, ''I love the way to tell a story.'' Then follow up and ask questions like, "What do I do that makes the story telling special?'' for example. Ask a lot of people who know you well, but always take them aside. List the results and there are your hidden talents.

When you find out what your hidden talents are, life feels less 'like work', it just feels like living.

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Life is your talents discovered | Sir Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson argues that talent is often buried and that we need to search for it. In fact, the foundation of wisdom may be the willingness to go and look for it..