WHY would you want to identify your unique
talents?
For me the answer is that when you know your
unique talents, you can use them more
effectively. For example, what if you
discover that you are a good verbal
communicator? Then you discover that most
people have a fear of speaking out in
groups. Then, the next time you are in a
room full of people, but only a few are
speaking on one side of the issue, you’ll be
more likely to bring the other side of the
issue forward. Why – because you know that
your unique skill is verbal communication.
Your skill could make or break an issue.
Your skill could be completely different,
but by knowing what it is, you’ll have the
courage and conviction to use is more often.
This leads you to your dreams and your
purpose in life.
HOW do you discover your unique talents?
The answer is easy. Just go back to
something really special in your life. Maybe
an accomplishment. Now ask yourself, “What
was the skill or talent I used?” I’ll give
you an example from my own life. As you read
ahead, think of an accomplishment that gave
you great satisfaction, and apply the same
principles to get to your unique talent.
Here’s my example. In 1990, when the
Communist Wall went down, I went to
Czechoslovakia and started a Management
Training Institute. I knew no one there when
I went. Over a 4 year period, I started the
company, hired the people and the
translators, worked out the double tax
agreements, set up a structure to train 210
trainers, had an advisory board, appointed a
joint venture Czech partner to run the
Institute, and trained 40,000 people in
management, sales, marketing, public
speaking and motivation.
Now to get to my unique talent, I have to
tap into the real buzz for me, not the
grueling parts that I didn’t like. For
example, I didn’t like having to keep tabs
on quality control. Whenever I told them to
print a flyer in black and white, it seemed
to come out in pink and green. That was
frustrating. So what did I like? What gave
me the real thrill? Well, I remember once
taking all our trainers to Monte Carlo as a
bonus for superior performance. I remember
preparing my speeches to acknowledge them
and motivate them. That gave me a huge buzz.
So from that I can conclude that a unique
talent for me is the ability to motivate
groups, particularly my groups.
What else did I love about that aspect of my
life? Well, I remember often going on a
planning retreat with my Institute joint
venture partner Eva, and having green light
planning sessions. We would talk for hours
on ideas and plans, write them down, and
then set an implementation schedule. One
time we met for the weekend in a gorgeous
forest setting, and I remember settling into
a corner in the lounge over a glass of wine
as our ideas flowed. Another time in a
European café overlooking a precious
setting. So what does that tell me about a
unique talent? It tells me that I have a
unique talent for results through
collaboration. And, that my mind is best
stimulated in beautiful environments.
When you start to use your unique abilities
consciously, miracles will start to happen!
Ok, now what comes to your mind? Think back
to your most exciting times in life. What
happened? Maybe it was an accomplishment,
maybe an award, maybe a fantastic trip with
friends, maybe something back in your school
days, maybe a job or a promotion. Maybe an
acknowledgement. Don’t get blocked by
feeling you have to have the RIGHT thing.
Anything you choose will help you tap into
your unique talents. Get that accomplishment
or event in mind, then tap into the feeling
of satisfaction. What was it? What unique
talent does that lead you to? Jot it down,
and glance at it throughout the day. Take
the next 48 hours to use it as often as you
can – perhaps in each new setting or meeting
you encounter. See how that feels and how it
impacts your life and the lives of others.
One thing I’ll guarantee, is that as you
start to use your unique abilities
consciously, the world around you will
shift. You’ll see miracles happen for
yourself and others!
