Once again it's that time of the year when we take stock and make resolutions about changes. When I think of resolutions, my local gym comes to mind: packed sardine-tight after New Year's and empty again before Valentine's. Many of us say we have "resolutions" when really we are making "wishes". There is no accountability, no real repercussions.
This is why this month - along with the resolutions of your choice - I invite you to also make a specific promise to yourself: pick one talent that you have, and commit to putting it to work. That's Step One. Step Two is to tell others around you about it. Making a promise public will make you accountable, and your success may inspire others.
Just to clarify, when I say "talent", I don't mean a "skill" that you would like to improve. Skills are learned or acquired behaviors that serve a specific function in our lives. Talent is different, reflecting not only innate aptitude but also passion and a sense of identity. Some call talents a gift. Focused on developing professional skills, we leave our talents wrapped and collecting dust. My opinion is that we should dust them off, open them up, and enjoy them fully.
I can't verbalize the fun and joy that my daughter experienced during and right after her performance. That's all hers to embrace. Likewise, I cannot begin to imagine the satisfaction of a firefighter saving a life, a musician composing a symphony, or an accountant completing a major financial deal. However, I can personally reminisce about the instantaneous and lingering pleasure of experiences, such as a winning tennis serve at the end of a grueling game, the perfectly baked chocolate lava dessert, watching the excitement of my daughter when she won her first swim meet thanks her mom's and my commitment, and a promotion following a successful professional year.
Conversely, I am also aware of instances, for example, of talented individuals who have been with an organization for several years. They often stay in the same role they were originally hired for. They are superficially happy, but tend to view their work and their lives as drudgery. They busy themselves with routine tasks and avoid their true talents. Consequently, they've lost track of what they'd like to achieve with their lives and/or careers. They haven't taken the time to fulfill their dreams or to come up with a strategy to realize them. Ultimately, they frequently miss key life opportunities. Does this latter example sound like lifestyle we'd like to have?
My contention is that, chances are, we want to put our talents to work in a way that's fun, challenging and fulfilling - and that also pushes us to achieve our full potential.
So this month I invite you to:
- Pick one thing you are good at, that just comes natural to you
- Re-acquaint yourself with this talent
- Make a promise to yourself to put this talent to work
- Share the promise with a few others
- Go to work
In conclusion I ask you: "If not now, when?" It's time to consciously enjoy your life. Most people have difficulty being disciplined enough to follow through on their goals and/or they simply stretch themselves too thin. Stop allowing external factors to dictate your choices and learn to put your talents to work in a way that makes you extraordinarily proud, not to mention productive and accomplished! Then share!, share!, share!
Happy Holidays to you and your families.
