Here a some goals that have not mateialized for me. I love, love, love the reality shows: Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway,Top Chef,The Voice, The X Factor, America's Next Top Model.
I often fantasize about how great it would be to be on these shows. Yes, my DREAM IS TO BE ON ONE OF THESE SHOWS! Until, I realize…I can’t dance too well (but I love those costumes)…….forget about singing (what about that record contract?)……..I’m only 5’2” (no being on the cover of Marie Claire)…..can’t sew much or sketch (no fashion week for me)……can cook a bit but don’t even know what half the food is that the chefs are cooking (no amazing my family and friends with culinary delights).
What’s a person to do when reality collides with dreams?
Well, I could take singing, dancing and cooking lessons, learn how to sew and sketch and practice, practice, practice. But even if I do all this, the question is…no matter how hard I work at it, will I get good enough? Should I focus so much on my shortcomings or develop my strengths?
In his book, Strength Finders 2.0, Tom Rath believes the common idea that “you can be anything you want to be if you try hard enough” is a misguided maxim. He believes that “you cannot be anything you want to be--but you can be a lot more of who you already are”. He states that we should build on our talents to make them strengths. This also requires practice and hard work. He gives the example of someone being born with the potential to build large biceps. If this person does not exercise these muscles, they won’t develop. But if this person works equally as hard as someone without the natural potential, the return will be much greater. That person is developing his natural talent and turning it into a strength (literally!).
So, what are my natural talents? Personality and occupation tests state that some of my main strengths are a warm, kind and compassionate nature, and that I prefer a hands-on approach to learning and problem solving and fun and variety in my work. I am very spontaneous, optimistic and enjoy helping and inspiring others to solve their problems. As a Counselor, I have had the opportunity to develop my talents and turned them into strengths. As a result, I love my work!
Let me know what you think about Tom Rath‘s theory. What are your talents and how can you turn them into strengths? Is there anything you want to do that you don’t think you can? Leave a comment on this blog post to share your ideas.
I’m still not happy that my dancing may only be confined to parties and my living room, my singing only in my car with the windows rolled up, the closest I’ll get to a runway is my television, and the only gourmet meals cooked will be in my kitchen. But I will be optimistic, still dream and in the immortal words of
Tim Gunn…”MAKE IT WORK!”
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