Finding the
Magic
One of my clients is a brilliant commercial real estate broker and
developer in Birmingham, Alabama. Len is very successful by any
measure.
During our meeting this week, Len was describing the way he can
drive by a piece of property and instantly see, in his minds eye,
the possibilities for that land. He is able to imagine all the
possible uses of the property and instantly select the one that
would produce the highest and best value.
The most amazing part of this is that Len can do this in a blink of
an eye. And, for Len, it is effortless. He just knows. Other
brokers and developers focus on the technical aspects of the
property, the zoning, the topography, the financial details and so
on.
While these things are important (Len is good at these as well),
the real magic that Len brings to the table is his innate ability
to visualize the property being used in its most valuable
form.
My sister, Lana, has an amazing musical ear. Lana can listen to a
song on the radio one time, then sit down at her piano and play the
song perfectly and beautifully. I just dont know how she can do
that! And she has been able to do that since she was a child. Its
magical.
When I talk to Len about his ability and with Lana about her
talent, they both told me the same thing. They said that it was
easy. They just couldnt understand why other people cant do the
same feat. For Lana and Len, and for you and me, the special
ability (the magic) seems so easy, it feels normal.
Everyone has a natural aptitude in something. You, too, have a
special gift. You may be especially good at working with numbers,
drawing pictures, teaching children, growing plants or caring for
those less fortunate than you. Your special talent may involve
music, athletic ability, empathy, writing, or working with your
hands.
Chances are, you dont even recognize your own aptitude. You might
think that all of us can see and appreciate the subtleties of color
the same as you. You may not get that some of us are not as
graceful as you. You might believe that all people are able to
effortlessly grow a beautiful garden.
The truth is that we are all very different. You are able to do
some things better than I can. And, I can do some things better
than you. Remember in school, when you signed up for subjects in
which you were already knowledgeable? How did this make you feel?
Great! This is going to be easy.
What advice did you get from your counselors? Probably, they
recommended you take classes where you were weakest. What a drag!
While learning new subjects is a great idea, striving to develop
weaknesses can work against you. Conventional wisdom says we should
work on improving our weaknesses. This is a terrible waste of time,
talent and opportunity.
Imagine what would have happened if Chopin, Einstein, Chris Evert,
or Pavarotti had followed that advice. All these people devoted
their life to developing their natural strengths. As a result, they
each were tops in their field.
Highly successful entrepreneurs, as well as top scientists,
artists, athletes and entertainers throughout history have achieved
greatness by focusing on their areas of strength.
How do you discover your natural talents? First, notice those
things that you do that seem easy for you. These are the things
that you can do that seem almost effortless. Often, the tasks that
are easy for us are those where we have a special aptitude.
Next, make note of those things you do where time just seems to fly
by. When you are doing these activities, you may look up and
realize that hours have passed without you even realizing it. This
is a good clue to activities where you have natural talent.
Finally, consider all the activities that make you happy. These are
things that make you smile. These are the tasks you would do just
for yourself, with no promise of gain, just because theyre fun,
interesting and fulfilling.
Look through the three lists to find the common activities. These
are likely to be the areas of your natural aptitude and talent;
your magic. These are the areas of greatest potential for you.
Imagine if you could spend most of your time developing and playing
at something that makes you happy, where time flies and where its
easy for you. Wow!
Dont get caught up in the old advice to work on your weaknesses.
Hire someone who is good where you are weak. Delegate tasks that
you dont enjoy to others who do enjoy those things. Automate the
repetitious tasks. Contract out the chores that you are not great
at doing.
No matter how hard you try, it is unlikely you will ever be more
than average in areas where you do not have an aptitude.
Always working on your weaknesses undermines your self-esteem since
you will focus mostly on your deficiencies.
On the other hand, working to develop your natural talents is
self-rewarding and motivating. Pursuing your talents allows you to
continually realize higher and higher levels of ability,
achievement and success. Invest your time and energy in being great
at something. Really great. Discover your magical talent. You will
be happier. And the recipients of your work, your customers, will
reward you for your excellence. What a combination; doing what you
love and people pay you for it!
Experience the immense satisfaction that comes with being superb at
something.
Find the magic!
