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It’s difficult to get into the mode of thinking like a successful person if you are unsure of the unique abilities you have to offer. You begin to sabotage your success when you start thinking thoughts like, “I’m not that unique” or “I don’t really have anything new to contribute.”
Are you acutely aware of your abilities? You’ve worked through a number of exercises in this book to discover the things that interest you and draw your attention. You have also done some work to unearth your unique talents. Now is the time for you to get really specific. What precise endeavors do you want to pursue? Where will your abilities be used to the fullest?
As this quote suggests, you are the only person who can use your ability. If you don’t take advantage of your particular gifts, they will go to waste. Look at your current profession or the vocation you intend to pursue. Is it the best use of your ability? Very often people choose a job that is safe or easy, and they only use a small portion of their abilities each day. Are you willing to let your talents be wasted in that way?
Write down everything you did yesterday, and then write down what percentage of your overall talents were used during that day. If it’s below 50 percent, you need to make a change. To be successful you must spend at least half of your day on tasks that show off your natural ability and allow you to grow and excel and contribute your unique gifts.
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It’s painful to watch someone relentlessly pursue something for which they have no talent. Sandy had a romantic notion from the age of about thirteen of being a wedding planner. She loved weddings. Unfortunately, Sandy did not have the right set of talents for the job. She was not organized; she wasn’t a very social person; her personal skills were lacking; and she was a horrible negotiator. After numerous failed attempts to start a business, Sandy finally realized this was not her forte. Quite by accident, she found out that where she really excelled was in designing wedding invitations. She transferred her efforts to something she did well, and her new business took off.
Knowing what you cannot do is more important than knowing what you can do. Make sure you’re not wasting valuable time trying to break into an area that isn’t right for you. Ask yourself the following questions:
Does this always seem difficult, like I’m fighting upstream?
Am I having fun?
Do I look forward to going to work to pursue this area of success?
If your answers give you pause, you might be in the wrong field. Don’t waste your time on what you can’t do. It’s good taste to go with your strengths.
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Let’s say you found out without a doubt where your talents lie. You know exactly what you should pursue in order to achieve success. The only problem: your get up and go got up and left. You feel lethargic, and you don’t have any ambition. You’re lacking the fuel to propel you to success. You are thinking maybe it would be better to wait for a moment when you are ready.
What should you do?
Snap out of it!
You’re wasting valuable time trying to work up the energy to grab onto opportunity. It’s like being in the same
