Uh oh, got me-self into a pickle.
The last blog posting I wrote was titled, “Sharing your talents, it’s that simple.” The “simple” part referred to the belief that using our talents (as opposed to abilities that don’t come naturally) makes for effortless Impact. I did not anticipate the response.
I thank those who wrote to let me know that recognizing and admitting to talents that create Impact is NOT so simple. I double thank those who have been willing to dialog on the subject. I’ve certainly learned a lot.
Corinne’s Impact
One result of this unexpected response: my personal Impact this week was different than planned. Following the theme of Ovarian Cancer Awareness, I was going to use my writing ability to develop another article for publication on the early symptoms of O.C.
Instead, I spent time online with some friends and followers posing questions to help find their answers, reveal their talents and elicit new ideas. I believe that this is one of my talents. To put a name to the Impact I had this week is a little more difficult, but I hope I made some positive difference. Each of us has our own special talents, even if we don’t allow ourselves to see them.
Nils’ Impact
Nils’ talents and resulting Impact are much easier to identify. One of Nils’ most conspicuous talents is his problem-solving (mostly analytical) abilities. He often sees clearly through fog of fear, stress, or chaos. His clear-headedness can then create greater calm for others.
This past week, was extremely stressful for Nils at work, but that didn’t stop him from making Impact. In two separate incidents, he helped others circumnavigate uncomfortable situations. In one, he counseled a colleague’s “car repair shop panicked” girlfriend (Impacting not only the girlfriend, but also helping his colleague bypass potential “traumatized girlfriend syndrome”); in the other, he advised an angst-filled co-worker (also in a pickle) in how to best communicate with his boss, avoiding a sticky situation.
Additionally, Nils coached a nervous colleague for his upcoming annual review, and provided a friend with a new business idea. He also mentioned having fixed someone’s umbrella on a very rainy day — I suppose we could consider that he put his mechanical-engineering talents to work, but I think that’s a bit of a stretch.
None of the above efforts we could have anticipated. Then again, that goes along with what I often say about chances to make a positive Impact always presenting themselves — somehow, somewhere.
=============================================
Not so simple as subsequent dialogue proved. I’m guessing the main reason is that we all perceive talents in different ways and unless one is a brain surgeon or a nurse of any sort filled to the brim with that caring quality, it’s hard to believe that other talents might benefit anyone. After an in-depth discussion with you Corinne, a whole different light now shines upon the topic and I hope this post of yours has opened up lines of thought in many others, as it has me.
Many thanks for a true ‘impact’ blog.
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this with me.
The subject continues to be interesting. Depending on who you ask for input about your “best talents” you can get different answers. We are different things to different people and our most valued talents to one person (a spouse or partner) may be completely different than those for another (a friend, child, colleague, care receiver), and, of course, the impact we have are equally differing.
Not a black and white subject.
Why do we talented (intelligent and articulate) people find it so difficult to come to grips with what our talents are, and how we use them? Seems to me, this should be like breathing. It’s part of our humanity, what we are here for. Why do we we have trouble “recognizing and admitting to talents that create Impact”? It may be worth thinking about what in our cultures, educations, upbringings has led to this.
Maybe, as Marianne Williamson eloquently put it: “It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
I remember back in Sunday School hearing the lesson: Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Let’s let all of our lights shine, friends! The world could be better for it.
I couldn’t “approve” this comment fast enough. Thank you for these thoughts worth spreading around!