There’s a lot of talk in the business world about “working on your weaknesses” and turning them in to strengths. The idea is in doing this, you somehow obliterate all of your weaker aspects and become this unstoppable super employee or business person.
Really?
There are so many reasons to me why this premise is the foundation for so many unhappy careers.
One – who has the kind of self-awareness required to see past all our blind spots?? No one! We all have faults, make mistakes, and sometimes make decisions that arise from our ‘human-ness’. Trying to abolish this human complexity is an impossible task.
Two – the assumption is that if you can develop a certain skill that doesn’t come naturally to you, that this will somehow make you happier. In so many cases, with my clients and in my own life, I think this is one of the worst lies we tell ourselves.
Have you been climbing the corporate ladder only to find a growing sense of unease and discontent with the life you’ve built?
Do you say ‘yes’ to doing things even though you know you’ll hate it and then procrastinate on getting it done?
A large part of the joy in life comes from finding satisfaction in doing something well, being of benefit to the people around us, and doing things that bring us joy.
How do you feel when you really dig in to a project you can savor and let loose our natural talents in to the world?
Amazing right?
Why? Because you are so tremendously good at these things! And it’s easy and pleasurable for you to ‘be’ in a place of that level of contribution.
If we look historically at some people who found a way to embrace their life’s purpose you can see the level of contribution to humanity is high when you live in your gifts – people like Oprah and all the work she’s done with girl’s education in Africa and Anderson Cooper and his commitment to create transparent dialogue through journalism are two well-known examples.
But there are countless “everyday” people who find a way to and meaning and purpose to their lives through their gifts. Volunteers with Doctors Without Borders use their gifts of healing and compassion to help sick people around the world. Volunteers with Habitat For Humanity use their gifts of craftsmanship and service to build homes for families.
We need your gifts in the world!
And the world will be better off when you uncover and share your happiness, joy and satisfaction in bringing them to life.
I hope you’ll join us in the next Sacred Gifts class to uncover your special talents!!
In service,
Cathy
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