Featured Image Credit: John Cameron on Unsplash
"For everything that you can't do, there's gonna be something that you can do. And if you work harder than everyone else than you're gonna win in the long run." – Corey Charron
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Some schools of thought teach you to improve on your weaknesses. Another thought is to pursue your passions.
Some people feel they have no value because they fail at Math. What about bad grades overall? If you don't succeed at school, it doesn't mean you can't be wildly successful.
Poor History grades don't translate to a mediocre life.
Contrary to popular belief, a college degree won't save you from bad decisions. It won't prevent you from an accomplished career.
The truth is there are many paths. It starts with understanding your strengths. You can pursue your passion, but this advice has led others into bitterness. It turns their passion into something less desirable.
However, there is wisdom in playing to your strengths. A friend of mine was in the field of negotiating contracts between cellular phone companies and local businesses. He had been doing the job for another company for years. He was a top talent.
He decided to work for himself. He was earning high six figures within two years and closing in on becoming a million-dollar earner.
He said he wasn't passionate about the work but good at it. His talent helped him earn a great life for his family. He can pursue his passions on his own time. Most importantly, he can keep them a passion.
Don't let where you lack determine where you stand. Find your strengths and discover ways to maximize them to your benefit.
Michael Jordan doesn't need to program computers at Apple. Elon Musk isn't playing basketball in the NBA. Find your strengths. Here are some ways to determine which direction to go.
Where Do You Get the Most Praise?
What do people point out that you do well? Is it an attitude? A talent? A leadership quality? What are some things people point out to you?
Accept the praise as evidence of natural skill. If people appreciate a particular skill, it may be something others could appreciate. It might be drawing. You could be passionate about it. A bonus!
I've met several people who I thought were very talented artists. Drawing and painting specifically. They consistently downplay their skill. I have no doubt they could make money selling their work.
Embrace the praise you get and share your talents with the world.
What Do You Enjoy
Consistency is often more important than talent. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be highly talented in an area to earn a living. I've seen many talented people fail because they didn't work hard.
Maintaining consistency is easier if you enjoy what you do. There may be aspects of what you need to do that are not fun. Pushing through the rough spots is more manageable if you enjoy the process.
What are the things you enjoy? What activities bring you happiness? Is there a way you can incorporate it into your career or business?
The hardest part of success is consistency. If you master consistency, the rest is simple.
Do What Earns
Sometimes our hobbies and passions are just that, hobbies and passions. Nothing more. Today, we get hung up on following passions, even if that kills our passion for an activity.
You may make more money as a computer programmer than as a music producer. Don't be ashamed. You can keep working toward the dream but don't forsake what you have for what you want.
Appreciate your skills and use them to earn as much as you can. More funds create more freedom and options for you.
Sometimes our biggest desires are not our strengths. Sometimes our strength lies in doing what needs to be done to earn a living.
Maximize your skills and develop yourself to expand your potential.
What's Next?
There are many things you cannot do. Yet, there are many things you can do. Focus your energy on those areas and find your strengths.
What do you do that gets the most praise?
What do you enjoy doing? The things we enjoy could be a good career path. It is easier to push through obstacles when you enjoy what you do.
Do what earns money? Sometimes our strength doesn't lie in building a business or being creative. Sometimes our greatest strength is already our profession. If you make a solid income, don't abandon it for a dream. Instead, work at the dream while your job funds your goals.
Whatever the choices, the key is to make one. Find your strengths and find ways to maximize your value with them. It may not be what you expected, but it can't be wrong if it brings you happiness.