Talane’s Blog of the Week, February 5, 2007

A Classic Tip from Talane...
Discover Your Unique Talent

We all have some special talent, skill, or gift – something we do or some way we see things that is different or better than anyone else. Very often what comes naturally to you is so much a part of you that you don't even notice it. People tend to think that if it is easy for them, then it is easy for everyone else too. This just isn't so. You might think if it is this easy or fun, then you shouldn't get paid for it. We like to think that work is hard - that if we don't sweat and struggle, we don't deserve to get paid for it. Again, this just isn't so. In fact, it is more often the opposite: the people who make the most money love what they do and have some natural ability for it that they have honed and developed.

If you can't figure out what your special talent is, interview your friends, family, and colleagues. They will tell you. It is really this easy. Here are some questions you can ask: What do you think is my greatest strength? What is my biggest weakness? (Ask this only if you feel up to it, and ask them to tell you in a constructive way. Do not comment on anything they say. You are simply gathering opinions.) What do you see as my special talent or gift? What do I do naturally and effortlessly that is special? If I were on the cover of a magazine, what magazine would it be and what would the story be about? When am I most fully expressing this gift or talent?

The next step is to begin to honor your gift. By that I mean that you fully express it, share it with others, do it, be it, live it. Just start. Do one thing that will allow you to fully express your unique gift. Then see how you can incorporate that into your life today, and the universe will pull you in that direction. Remember, your own special skill comes so easily and naturally that you probably take it for granted.

All the best,
Talane