Via Lucas Crespo.

How to Recognize What You’re Really, Really Good At

It's not about doing everything—it's about doing one thing exceptionally

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@nils_8591 over 1 year ago

I was just thinking about doing a post related to this. I recently gave away all my woodworking tools. I realized that I'm great at understanding tools, knowing how they work, knowing how to use them... but I am terrible at actually making things (and I'm not that interested in actually making things, tbh). So I realized I didn't need those tools anymore. They were just gathering dust. And I've stopped calling myself a "maker"; now I'm more of a "tool guy."

I'd done this at least once before as well. When I was in high school I strongly identified as a musician, having played guitar for more than two hours every day for many years. Then, during college, I started couple dancing, and at one point realized I had to choose - play music for dancing, or dance. I was much better at dancing, and I enjoyed it more - so the choice was obvious. I've hardly picked up my guitar since.

Now that I'm working on building my own business, I have to go through the exercise again. The problem now is that it's difficult to recognize what you're good at. When you're a good dancer all the ladies tell you so - that was easy. But when you can easily and naturally do something your colleagues or others struggle with, it's hard to recognize what's going on.

David Roseberry over 1 year ago

@nils_8591 I am so glad I read this. I bought a garage full of power tools about eight years ago when I pseudo-retired. I found that I didn't enjoy them. They scared me. I am an amateur woodworker, but I prefer hand tools. I sold them four years ago and felt relieved--but since then, I have thought that I should FEEL regret. I don't. I think your experience helped me know that I did the right thing. Let them go!

This is an amazing read... very insightful.. honestly I think I am still figuring out...
Quick question: how did you come over the imposter syndrome where you thought "will anyone take me seriously?"

@anil_6825

@rystraum over 1 year ago

@anil_6825 You don't. It will always haunt you but you should not let that fear stop you from doing what you're doing.

When you focus on your work - and really focus on it - that voice will get quieter and quieter. It will be quiet but it will never be gone.

@rystraum honestly it has always stopped me from launching my youtube channel. I think its time to just ignore it for once and release the first video.

@amitgupta147 over 1 year ago

Simple yet Brilliant and most importantly evocative enough to make you think and trigger a step/action.

@travailler.avec.emulation over 1 year ago

Good read. I put this in our newsletter this week.
Memo to myself: https://share.glasp.co/kei/?p=7ffcdf2b7e7a2471cb52

Carl Baker over 1 year ago

Finally an answer to how to make retirement meaningful and fun. I started writing a year ago to share some of the things I’d learned about over my career. I’ve only shared with friends but they have been so receptive. 40 years ago, I told my mentor I wanted to be a writer someday but living life got in the way. Time to make that dream the major focus. Thank you.

David Roseberry over 1 year ago

@carlbaker Are you writing about this? I'd follow you.

@peteloaf over 1 year ago

Excellent Article.

Thank You.

@contact_8790 over 1 year ago

thank you - very much needed words

@kimberley over 1 year ago

Painfully true and freeing. Perfect timing for some pivoting in process.