I spent most of my teenage years trying to be somebody else.<\/p>\n
There were always girls that were just a bit smarter, certainly a lot better looking, and somehow able to capture lots of attention with their wit and charm. Me? I was the \u201cplain Jane\u201d \u2013 a few pimples here and there, acceptable clothing, one who worked hard for grades, and one who always seemed to be on the \u201cedges\u201d of the \u201ccool\u201d group \u2013 never quite \u201cmaking it\u201d in.<\/p>\n
Looking back, I now see how I wasted my high school years. There were talents and skills that I did not embrace and claim.<\/p>\n
And yet, it took me until college to realize that I had gifts and, indeed, was a gift to society. I had things to offer.<\/p>\n
Many go through lives of what Thoreau called \u201cquiet desperation.\u201d They enter careers and take jobs that pay the bills but are just not fulfilling at a personal level. They then come to the end of their lives wondering, \u201cWhat if I got it all wrong?\u201d Many times they did, because they were focused on responsibilities and what others thought they should do. You can break this cycle now, and here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n
Go Back to Your Childhood<\/strong><\/p>\n As a child, you were innocent, open to everything, and your mind was uncluttered with such thoughts as, \u201cThat\u2019s not possible,\u201d or \u201cWhat will others think of me?\u201d What are your best memories from that time? Did you love to write or tell stories? Did you love sports? Did you love getting friends together for special projects? Did you love to draw or sing?<\/p>\n I remember getting a group of neighborhood friends together and having a \u201ccarnival\u201d in my parent\u2019s backyard. We had games and cheap prizes, invited adults to come and sell the stuff they didn\u2019t want anymore, etc. We took the profit and donated it to the local Muscular Dystrophy Association \u2013 that was the best summer ever. Maybe it was a hint.<\/p>\n When Do You Lose Track of Time?<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ve all had this experience. We get busy with something and all of a sudden, we look up to see that we have been \u201cat it\u201d for several hours. That time lapse is the result of passion for something. What do you do when you lose track of time? This is a key clue to your \u201cgift.<\/p>\n Ask Others What They See<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, we are so absorbed in our daily tasks and responsibilities that we do not even recognize what makes us unique, talented, or of great value to others. As close friends and family members what they honestly see as your talents and skills? You may be surprised.<\/p>\n Take Some Formal Assessments<\/strong><\/p>\n You probably did this in high school. There were all sorts of \u201ccareer exploration\u201d surveys and questionnaires that pointed out potential careers for you. Take some now as an adult. There are several online, or you can visit a job coach and get more in-depth analyses. Here\u2019s why these can be important.<\/p>\n Back Away From Common Social\/Work Relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n We all get into ruts of the same relationships and the same activities over and over again. Maybe it\u2019s time to do something different and broaden your \u201chorizons.\u201d Take a class; join a new club; meet different people engaged in careers and hobbies that are different from your secure groups.<\/p>\n For me, it was taking a course writing for profit. I had always loved writing, and maybe now was the time to find out if I had a \u201cgift\u201d for this. I discovered it was and left my position as an HR professional to write. I have never regretted the change.<\/p>\n Go Away By Yourself and Just \u201cBe\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Take a long weekend; rent a cottage; camp or just go to a local hotel. Have some \u201calone\u201d time to think about what makes you really happy. If you can discover what makes you truly happy, you will have discovered the \u201cgift\u201d that you can give to others.<\/p>\n Monitor the Media that You are Drawn To<\/strong><\/p>\n What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis? Do you like political analysis shows? Do you like watching courtroom drama? Do you like those cooking or home re-modeling shows? Are there carryovers of those shows into what you read or what you follow online? These abiding interests are trying to tell you something. Look into careers that relate to these interests.<\/p>\n Make a Bucket List<\/strong><\/p>\n You know what this is \u2013 a list of things you want to do before you die. When you list your \u201cwants,\u201d you should understand that these are your passions. Is there some place you want to go? Is there something you really want to learn? Start doing the things on that bucket list now \u2013 you may find your \u201ccalling\u201d in the process.<\/p>\n Make a List of What You Find Easy to Do<\/strong><\/p>\n Our \u201cgifts\u201d are usually manifested by means of those things that we find easy. Why? Because we love them so much we do not see them as hard work. We see them as pleasure or play. Anyone who sees his life\u2019s work as pleasure or play has found his \u201cgift.\u201d If you find that it is easy to help your niece with her math homework, maybe it\u2019s time to dump the job with the insurance agency and go into teaching or tutoring.<\/p>\n No one is suggesting that you immediately give up your \u201cday job\u201d and pursue your unique \u201cgift.\u201d However, if you do discover that gift, you owe it to yourself to pursue it, if only on a part-time basis for now. Your gift is what you have a passion for, what you lose track of time doing, and what you feel good about giving to someone else. That gift is uniquely yours \u2013 do not waste it!<\/p>\n About The Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniela McVicker is an author, psychologist and educator. She believes that success depends on knowing the ideas that allow you to manage and master the universe of information. Daniela works as freelance blogger for\u00a0content creation service<\/a>\u00a0and sites that are related to educational and psychological backgrounds. For more information follow her on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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SOME FINAL THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/h3>\n