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What are talents? How do they differ from skills? You might say that the essential difference is that a talent is something natural, an ability that was born inside of you, whereas a skill is something learned through study and practice. Talents are unique to you as an individual, but skills are often determined by what you learn. For example, if your mom signs you up for violin lessons, or your dad gets you started in the family accounting business, you might eventually become a competent violinist or store manager. That doesn't mean, however, that you will be a virtuoso soloist or a financial wizard. To become a top class violinist you will need talent as well as dedication, and talent isn't something that you can just acquire. It is, of course, possible for you to learn to perform reasonably well in many areas where you have no particular talent, but it makes sense to try to find out what your talents are. You may have many talents you haven't discovered! In his book, "Zen and the Art of Making a Living," Laurence Boldt stresses that finding your talents can help you find your life's work.
How can you discover what your hidden talents are? Boldt suggests that you begin by thinking about what you enjoy doing. What you have fun doing can give you a big clue to finding where your talents lie. That is because we often enjoy doing what we are naturally good at. Boldt also recommends asking yourself what you enjoy thinking about learning about. If you find yourself thinking about clothes or fashion, or if you like to make up songs or stories in your head, then you may be a talented designer or author without realizing it. What is your idea of a fascinating conversation topic? What subjects did you find most interesting at school or college? You often learn and progress quickly in areas where you have real talent. According to Boldt, your talents need to find expression, and you will naturally enjoy activities that develop them.
Boldt points out that there is a difference between something you might enjoy as an event and something that you would enjoy as a process. He says that a process gives you a better picture of your talents. Many people enjoy singing, maybe in the shower, in the car or with friends, but having fun pretending to be a Caruso or a Callas in the bath is very different from enjoying the process of becoming a professional singer. Boldt acknowledges that when you pursue a talent, you won't always be excited about every step of the process. You should expect to experience frustrations and difficulties. But if you're practicing a true talent, you will almost certainly enjoy the process as a whole.
Finally, Boldt emphasizes the importance of attitude and creativity in the discovery of your talents. He says that the first level of enjoyment in work is attitude. Cultivate a constructive attitude to work and be happy for the opportunity to give of yourself. At the next level, there is creativity. Creativity helps you be resourceful and inventive. It allows you to have the confidence you need to express your talents.
Take the time to discover your hidden talents. Boldt says, "The release of talent is one of the great joys in life. The moment of expression is timeless, effortless, and fluid. You feel a deep harmony. You feel right with the world.
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