How to find your unique talent
Each of us is born with an innate talent that we can further grow later in life. It is something unique to us, which we cannot gain but already have.
This is why it is important to find the one that belongs to you. Rather than trying to mould yourself into one that you may want but that we never seem to get quite right. We cannot gain our talent through education. Instead, if we know what it is, we can train the one we already have and let it blossom.
Finding your talent is not always easy. But making the effort is worthwhile. Being aware of it does not only help you better understand yourself, but it is also something you can use to your advantage. When you use your talent at work and at home, you are more likely to excel and feel good doing it.
What is talent?
Talent is a blend of qualities unique to you. It is something you are really good at, usually much better than the ones around you. Its power comes from the mix of different qualities, which come together to create one full power – yours.
For me, it was being able to articulate and express in words what other people think and feel. It is not listening alone. Nor is it writing, curiosity, or asking the right questions. It is the combination of these and much more – sometimes subtle – qualities that make up something unique to me. Knowing what this mix is allows me to use it purposefully and practice it intentionally in my work. It makes the value that I bring to a client or a colleague much clearer.
No two people will have the same talent. While some may come close, there is always something different in its mix of ingredients. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we are better served by looking inwards, discovering what our unique talent is and giving it a name. Identifying and naming it will make us aware of its power and ensure we don’t risk wasting it. Mine is “giving voice”. In this article, I’ll help you find out yours.
Why should you know your talent?
There are many benefits to being aware of your talent. For example, knowing that you are a good listener will ensure you use it to your advantage in conversations. Being a connector will help guide you in your career choices, e.g. looking for roles where interacting with people and making connections is a primary factor for success.
Knowing your talent helps clarify why you do what you do. And it gives you trust in your own abilities. Not only will your self-confidence increase, but making decisions will also come easier to you. So will daring to try new things, knowing you can count on your talent to see you through.
Ultimately, it motivates you. It makes you feel fulfilled and allows you to get into a state of flow more often than not.
How to find your unique talent
If we know, we have an innate talent and understand why it’s important to use it, how do we find out what it is?
To identify your talent, use this set of guiding questions. As you go through this list, write down your answers. When you finish, examine whether any patterns emerge. The answer is usually a set of clues peppered throughout your answers.
Ask yourself these seven questions:
- What games did you love to play between the ages of seven to ten years?
- What triggers you?
- What irritates you?
- Look back at the last two weeks. When were you at your best and what was a great moment you remember?
- What kind of questions or problems do other people ask your help with?
- What do you contribute that others really benefit from?
- If a party took place without you, what would the party goers miss you for?
Is there a pattern in your answers? Sum this up in one word or short sentence. This is your talent.
A cumulative effect
Your talent is the sum of everything within you that will help you accomplish your goals in a way that feels natural and comes easily. Using your talent will not only make you happier and more at ease with yourself, but will also benefit the ones around you. Everyone has their own unique strength, and if we all use it, the world becomes a better, happier place.
Need help finding and developing your talent? The Finding your unique talent session is part of Azkua’s group learning programmes. Get in touch to learn more.
Nicoleta Blokdijk-Anton. Guest author and past participant