Thinking about what we are really good at often feels like a struggle, especially when we have the business of life to get on with. It’s easy to go through school and college and on into work just assuming we are on track and doing the right thing.
Society has a timetable for us to follow and if we stop then we get left behind. It’s only in recent years that it’s become acceptable for students to take a gap year before going on to work. In fact it’s becoming more the norm for mature workers to take time out of their careers to travel or try other activities such as volunteer work. This growing trend points to the need for people to take time away from the timetable of life and to look carefully into what makes them happiest.
You maybe trained as a dentist but in your spare time you adore woodwork or photography. It’s when you are engrossed in these activities that you realise how relaxed you feel despite being busy and fully occupied.
The idea of finding your true talent is not just about a job or activity but the instinctive need to express a natural feeling. For example you may have a natural feeling to create something and that can manifest itself into an activity like painting or playing music. However if you are locked into a career where you are working in a rigid structure which allows for very little creative output you will eventually feel frustrated and unfulfilled. Understanding your natural talent gives you a springboard to develop a life that feels more relaxed and less frustrating.
So how can we dig deep to find this talent? Here is a suggestion to help you on your way:
Take a Gap Day
As difficult as it may seem, arrange to have a day when you can be completely alone with no distractions such as mobile phones or television. Some background music to help you relax is OK but ensure it’s not intrusive. Have some paper and a pen handy in case you need to write your thoughts down. Relax in in a comfortable chair and just think about times when you have felt most relaxed. What were you doing? where were you? note this down. Then think of when you felt most comfortable in an activity, the sort of activities which made you feel most fulfilled. You may notice that you felt best when you were helping people, or decorating and organising a home. It maybe that you felt fantastic when you described your holiday to friends.
Don’t pressure yourself in trying to identify a ‘new career’. The aim of the day is simply to turn off the noise of modern life and to listen to you again. In doing this exercise alone you will get in touch with what makes you feel less stressed and you will feel inspired to look at life a little differently. Once you have an idea of what your natural talent is you will be surprised to find your mind buzzing with ideas on how to express it whether at work or in the form of a relaxing pastime. Good luck!
