We all have the notable capacity to perform at high levels. Each of us has specific talents and God-given abilities known as “Gifts.” Some gifts are easy to identify, where others are difficult to unearth. Think for a moment, what is your talent? Where do you flourish? What comes naturally and allows you to enter a creative space?
Many of us do not know what our gifts are. We are hesitant to believe that we are fantastic at any given thing. In many cases, the thought registers that we’re good, but we’re not that good. These thoughts are potentially classified as “luck” or “occurrences.” We allow ourself to remain an amateur. We are what we think we are.
How do we shed the amateur status and turn pro?
Aaron McHugh of Work Life Play interviewed writer Jeff Goins about what he called “Turning Pro.” He described the fundamental shift of your mind when you recognize that you are a professional in specific areas. The change occurs when we allow ourselves to make this transition. The way that you approach your craft is intrinsically different. Goins talks about obtaining a job you usually do for fun. The moment you are employed, added pressure allows you to bring your A-game. You instinctively turn your output levels up a notch. There is an immediate sense of professionalism. You create a legitimate footprint.
Identify your gift! It is something that people are bringing to your attention. In many cases, everyone sees your gift but you. In the 1991 adventure film Hook, Peter Pan struggled to discover his gifts. Peter had a revelationary moment at the dinner table with the Lost Boys. He uncovers his imagination and ability to have fun. He embraced his creativity, which later led to his ability to fly.
These revelationary moments are fascinating.
- The moment when the high school football athlete transcends into a collegiate Division 1 athlete and eventual Heisman Trophy Winner
- The parents who are raising their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th child
- The student who recently completed their MBA degree and accepted their dream job offer
- The musician who has honed their craft over hundreds of hours of solitary rehearsal and reaches 100,000 followers on YouTube
There was an instance where these individuals subconsciously recognized their pro status.
“I am good!”
“I have what it takes!”
Believe those around you, and stop undermining the calling in your life. We are sometimes reluctant to accept our gifts. Jeff Goins explains that this concept is “hard to box up” due to what he called “The American Idol Syndrome,” where individuals believe they are the next best thing and are not. No one will tell them, “No.” These individuals make for good TV, do not lack confidence, and have little humility.
If you possess humility and a bit of reluctance, it is a tale sign of talent or giftedness, according to Goins. Submit to your calling. Listen to your close friends and allies. Believe what they say and cross the threshold into professionalism.
