Your Talent vs. What You Want To Do…

I was having this discussion with a friend the other day. We were talking about where people fall short of achieving that dream they had when they were a child. That “I wanna be a fireman” toddler that grew up to be an accountant. That wide-eyed youngster that wanted to be a veterinarian and help every sick animal in the world is now a department store manager. That middle school-er that wanted to be a doctor and change the world, turned out to be a construction worker. Somewhere along the line we trade in those aspirations for a paycheck… but why? Probably because of decisions we’ve made that changed the trajectory of our limitless ascent into greatness. Maybe we had a kid. Maybe there was no money to continue that education and become that doctor. Maybe life stuck its frigid fingers into our motivation and left our frost bitten dreams at the bottom of some giant universal deep freezer. Who knows? But, even in the worst situation we should not fail to plan and should never give up.

This brings me to the point. Your “talent” versus “what you want”. Now, I’m not a super religious zealot by any means. But I do believe God. No, I didn’t miss a word. A lot of people say they believe “in” God, but that leaves the discussion open for there to be doubt that God exists. If you “believe in” something that means you aren’t completely convinced it is there. You just believe it is. As in a child that believes “in” Santa Claus… or the Easter Bunny. But I believe God. Which means I know He’s there and I know He’s showing me the path my life is supposed to take. Even though the lights on my road are dim, at best. They flicker… giving me only a quick glimpse of greatness to come before darkness envelopes me again. Then I only have my Lord’s voice as my guide. But that’s just me.

I believe there is a plan for all of us. Now, the route we choose… that’s where we tend to snatch cogs out of life’s perpetual machine; most times creating our own demise. If you have been fortunate enough to make it into your mid to late 20’s you have been shown your gift, I truly believe that. Whether you choose to accept that gift or not… that’s up to you. But it HAS been revealed to you. I was listening to Steve Harvey’s Morning Show not too long ago and I think he explained it best and in its simplest form by saying, “Your talent is the thing that you do the best in the world, with the smallest amount of effort”. There’s no easier way to say it. You’re good at it and you don’t even have to try hard. That’s it! Think back over your life. What was that thing? That’s your talent. I was having a discussion about this a few months back with a co-worker. I asked her that same question. She said that it was teaching. I told her, that’s what she’s supposed to be doing… but she said she doesn’t WANT to do that. If ever there was an L.O.L. moment that was it. My uncle used to tell me… “If you wanna hear God laugh. Tell him that what He wants isn’t part of your plan.”

But there’s nothing wrong with that. Free will. There’s nothing wrong with you not wanting to follow your talent. If it is by choice, I don’t have a problem with you doing anything you want (as long as you aren’t hurting anyone else). If your talent is cooking and you want to be a painter, cool. Just know that you will probably never be truly happy. If you want to be a rapper but your true calling is baker… Good Luck. You may make a lot of money, be rich and famous… but in a fantasy game of poker, if I’m holding happiness and you have fame and fortune, my hand trumps yours every time.

But for those of you that want something better. For those that sit in their cubicle every morning and just wonder “Why Lord? Why ME?” For those seeking true happiness and fulfillment in their life and career. For those seeking a career, period. (because a wise man once said that if you aren’t happy in your career, you really just have a job)… If you want true happiness in your life… You have to find your talent. And, when you do, be sure to call your mom and tell her to clear some space on the refrigerator because your life’s progress report is going to be great.

Bless