“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein
The above quote is accurate and applies to many. I often feel judged by others and am learning that, in many cases, it is not my issue but the other person’s.
You may wonder how you can find your passion and, when judged, realize that you are doing your best and enjoying it!
Things to think about: What am I interested in? What do I enjoy? and What gives me purpose? Then ask yourself: What am I doing now? Do I find it rewarding? Does it bring me joy?
We all have to do things we don’t like; however, life is too short only to do what is expected of us. I have found a lifetime of things that were either expected of me or that I attempted to do unsuccessfully. I felt like that fish trying to climb a tree, and when I couldn’t, I felt stupid.
From the time I was in 4th grade to my junior year in high school, I played clarinet and was not good. I loved being in the band but was embarrassed that I was always 3rd clarinet last chair. Many of my friends in the band were 1st chairs and outstanding players. As a result, I often felt less than the others. In my youth, I struggled with poor self-esteem, and my time in the band did not improve it. I stayed in the band because I enjoyed the friends that I made,
In 4H, I took sewing. I was not good. I have shared in the past that I am clumsy and uncoordinated. I couldn’t cut a straight line or make even stitches if my life depended on it. I did not enjoy sewing, but I thought I should because the other girls enjoyed sewing. Unfortunately, sewing led me to feel like a failure.
I was an average student and did not make good grades. Next to many of my friends, I felt stupid. I didn’t like to go to school or to study. My parents never told us to do our homework. In 3rd or 4th grade, I would go to a friend's house and hide my papers with a C or less. One day my friend’s mother delivered those papers to my mom. Boy, did I get in trouble!
So, today I have found success in life and enjoy life. I have matured into a successful, confident woman.
I love public speaking (I know that is weird). I joined Toastmasters International in my 20s and began winning speech contests. As I progressed in my career, I enjoyed being responsible for in-services and teaching staff and sharing my story at church; I look forward to speaking opportunities. A goal of mine is to become a motivational speaker.
I have one published book. However, I found that I enjoy writing and enjoy writing these blogs. (Thanks for reading them.)
I belong to several community organizations and hold leadership positions in most of them.
After years I found my niche. I enjoy my life. I feel successful. I used to be that fish trying to climb a tree. I no longer am that person!
How to find what you're good at
1. Reflect on your past accomplishments and feedback.
2. Identify what you love to do.
3. Take an assessment.
4. Try new things.
5. Practice.
6. Define your comfort zone.
7. Review your past work.
8. Establish what comes naturally to you.
9. Look for patterns.
10. Ask around.
Now that you know where to start, here are some tips to remember as you try to figure out what you’re good at.
1. Know the difference between passion and strength.
2. Keep an open mind.
3. Be patient,
I encourage you to take time to find what you are good at and enjoy doing!
