Alright, faithful readers; so we have talked about our childhood pastimes. We have shared our energy for our role. And yesterday we went through an exercise in gratitude. Today we shift our attention to our unique gifts and talents. Yes, our gifts and talents… we all have them. So do you!

So part of being happy, healthy, and really “jazzed” by your work role is doing something that you are meant to do. It means doing the work that you were put on this planet to take part in. Each of us is a unique individual. Each of us has certain personality traits, certain characteristics, and a certain background. We are all different.

Ok, so let’s think about ourselves as real heroes for a moment, real successful winners. Let’s take a pause to really reflect on what we are good at. Sometimes it can be hard for us as we don’t like to sound as if we are boasting; it is hard for us to recognize ourselves. But for this moment, put all of that behind you. It is just you and me talking here right now.

Take out a pen and paper. List it from 1 to 30 down the left hand column. Now make a second list down 1 to 30 on the right hand column. In the first column, write down all of the things you can do. Write down everything you are capable of doing. Ok. Great. Now in the second column- on the right hand side- write down all of the things you love about you.

Look at that! You have so many gifts, talents, and unique qualities. Look how many you have!! How wonderful. Keep this list handy whenever you start to doubt yourself. Keep this list close by when your inner critic comes out to play. And guess what? Not only do you have unique gifts and talents, but your “piece” fits into the larger puzzle.

We are also all connected and the special thing about that is we can all help each other out. It is like a clock with its many parts, pieces, and cogs… each of us fits in some special way. And the overall greater picture of a moving machine is that each of us is contributing what we can offer as our best.

It is like a beautiful mosaic. Each special part contributes to an absolutely amazing portrait. So without you and your unique gifts and talents- the artwork would not be complete.

Ok, now that you know this and now that you agree- you can apply this to you and your work. What you want to do now is take that list of gifts, talents, and special traits and bring them into your career. In the job that you have now- how can you or where do you use your gifts and talents?

On the other hand, if you are looking for a new role, on your search can you bring your gifts and talents into what you are looking for? So what do I mean by this?

Well, let’s just say you are looking for a new job. And now, because you have your lists handy, you know that you are a good listener, very organized, and patient. Is there some sort of role that uses these gifts and talents in its daily routine? Can you find a job that highlights the special traits that are uniquely yours? You can also use this to screen out roles that may not be the best “fit” for you. So you are someone with high energy, who is very funny, and loves to socialize- you may not want a job sorting books in a library. (Generalization, I know- but you get the picture).

So to wrap things up today- let’s just be mindful that we all have special gifts and talents. If you had a hard time coming up with yours- just ask someone. Other people sometimes see the good in us that we have a hard time seeing in ourselves. After you have your list and your unique qualities- take these and see if you can apply them in your work space. If you are looking to change roles, be sure to have them on hand as you sort through job descriptions.

Let’s hear from you now. What are some of your unique qualities? Do you use these in your current role? How do you stand apart and what are your special traits?