Knowing your strengths......

[speed dawg]

Any of you have problems with this? This blurb from one of Rollo's articles....

From the 16 Commandments of Poon (emphasis mine):

XII. Maximize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses

In the betterment of ourselves as men we attract women into our orbit. To accomplish this gravitational pull as painlessly and efficiently as possible, you must identify your natural talents and shortcomings and parcel your efforts accordingly. If you are a gifted jokester, don’t waste time and energy trying to raise your status in philosophical debate. If you write well but dance poorly, don’t kill yourself trying to expand your manly influence on the dancefloor. Your goal should be to attract women effortlessly, so play to your strengths no matter what they are; there is a groupie for every male endeavor. Except World of Warcraft.

.....got me to thinking. I live a confident life with many hobbies and such. But I don't know that I've ever identified what I'm TRULY good, or great, at in life. I thought about reading some books on the subject but I figure I should know this by now. I mean, it's pretty easy for Lebron James to identify what he's great at doing. For us average guys maybe it's a bit harder.

Take me for example. I love and respect myself mainly for my moral/ethical stands, situations I've been through and my strength in dealing with people. My balls in essence. That's not the issue. I haven't identified my distinct talents. I love sports, but I'm not a particularly great athlete. Pretty average. I used to work out and still do, but my body is nowhere near Arnold's or any type of competitive level. I'm fairly good looking, just not built that way. I'm good at math (really good) but I don't always enjoy it. If I could go back to college (I was a dip**** entitled drunken prick back then) I would definitely go after another career field.

At any rate, I'm not getting down about this stuff, I'm actually writing this to rectify the situation. Maybe the answer is just trying new things? Any of you go through anything similar? I mean, I'm a pretty big @sshole and like to argue about controversial things, but how in the world do I channel that alleged 'talent', you know?

 

[BeDJ]

I don't think you are born with talent in specified field, although genetics help. Being talented, such as a professional athlete, means you have to breathe and live it from a very early age and develop attributes for the given talent. I can learn and apply quickly and can be great at something, but I know I will never be one of the best. Doing what makes you happy at that given moment is the most important thing.

If I have a son, I'm making him kick footballs every day.

 

[twentee]

then you're an *******. if the kid WANTS to kick balls all day, that's one thing, but MAKING him do pretty much anything makes you a jerk, not a parent.

 

[user43770]

Truly getting to know yourself is a challenge for everyone. I've been trying to accomplish this for years. I've made strides, but I still have new realizations on a regular basis.

One of the things that helped me, though, was the Myers-Briggs personality test. I've learned a lot through the writings about my personality type.

It sounds like you already have a pretty good idea of your strengths and weaknesses. If you aren't happy with them, then yes, the next step would be to try new things.

 

[speed dawg]

One of the things that helped me, though, was the Myers-Briggs personality test.

I should do this. I know I was an ISTJ. I've always known I am an introvert and have ready books on that.

 

[user43770]

I should do this. I know I was an ISTJ. I've always known I am an introvert and have ready books on that.

This website is great.


Forums are a great resource.

 

[switch]

Talent is overrated --------- it's a book that you should definitely read
basically given the time , training and dedication needed you can be good at anything.

also there are a lot of people working on their strength .....but very few working on their weakness

i see guys curling all the time but not a single freaking pull up....why? because ego gets in the way.

it's easier to find your weakness IMO, turn that into a strength.
as for your dreams don't give up on them you can always go back to school.

just my naive opinion.

 

[Mike32ct]

Talent is overrated --------- it's a book that you should definitely read
basically given the time , training and dedication needed you can be good at anything.

also there are a lot of people working on their strength .....but very few working on their weakness

i see guys curling all the time but not a single freaking pull up....why? because ego gets in the way.

it's easier to find your weakness IMO, turn that into a strength.
as for your dreams don't give up on them you can always go back to school.

just my naive opinion.

Yup. Talent just means that person might learn and progress FASTER in a given area. But ultimately it's about drive and doing the work required to be good.

Sometimes people don't actually enjoy their natural talents or are uninterested or unwilling to make a career or hobby out of it. Even though it would require more work because they might learn it slower, they might be better off doing something they are passionate about or at least very interested in.