The One thing you have to do …

While writing this article I have the song RESPECT running through my head. Today’s economy has many writing, reading and talking about what it means to be successful. I could sum it all up in one word: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. As I read all the information on “keys” to career success, there is one rule that has caught my attention. The Honor Your Talent Rule. It is because it is the corner stone of my coaching programs. Before I do anything else, I ask my clients to do some house cleaning to discover what they’re working with.

I wonder how many of us recognize our talents. Or even show appreciation for our talent? Do we understand what “respecting” our talent looks like? Yet honoring our talent is presented as a foundational piece for career success. Honor as a verb is described as showing appreciation or respect, recognition. Arlene Hirsch believes that honoring our talents means that, “… you understand yourself as a multifaceted individual with many talents and possibilities.”

What does respecting your talent look like?

It means that you admire and enjoy your talents. You may be gifted in one or more of the broad areas of speaking, writing and thinking. So whether your career path ends as a professor of philosophy or supervisor of a customer service call-in center, find areas to use these talents. I have noticed when people are genuinely enjoying what they do, their performance skyrockets. They shine and are often called upon to be mentors, the “go-to” person and receive promotions(and raises). Can you see the connection between honoring your talent and career success?

How do you respect your talent?

Take the time to do a self assessment. Time is on your side, this is not a process to be rushed. In fact I can’t train someone to have vision. I can help you identify your unique gifts and find the most profitable path to use them. You are the only person who determines what you have been blessed with and in what manner you are going to use it. You could accelerate this process through the use of a mentor, coach or trusted ally but you have to decide that you want a better career first. This journey could be painful as you say good bye to bad habits and destructive friends but the rewards and the brilliant future is worth it. After the initial assessment determine what path you are going to take to develop this raw talent. Is it going to be formal education? Are you going to learn by volunteering? Will you enlist the help of a mentor? You have to do something to refine this raw dynamite or you will always be a diamond in the rough and your true potential remains hidden.

Why is honoring your talent so important?

The journey into self awareness should be enjoyed. Cultivating one’s abilities expands your ability to see your career potential. You shatter the chains of doubt, indecision and poor self esteem. You recognize your unique contribution to the world, embrace it and enthusiastically share what you have been richly blessed with. While Honoring Your Talent may be one rule for success. You should , “…capitalize on your strengths, whatever they may be, and manage around your weaknesses, whatever they may be.” Marcus Buckingham