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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. 

The new year brings restored hope.  Many of us embark on a self-improvement journey to create a better version of ourselves.  We flood social media with great intentions that create an inspiring atmosphere. We assess what parts of us need adjusting and are quick to outline our path to victory.  We rush the resolution battlefield valiantly, making a mighty attempt to push forward. With little anticipation, the enemy delivers its first blow. Like a punch to the nose, we’re suddenly shaken, and the face of self-doubt and derailment surface.  They are ugly and intimidating fixtures that pray on and punish the weak.

American author, Seth Godin, describes this negative insurgency as the “Lizard Brain.” It’s the voice in your head that creates hesitation and fear. It persuades you to slow down and question your worth.

If you’re attempting to lose 20 pounds, the Lizard Brain creates alternatives for the gym and provides comforting food. When you’re trying to expand your knowledge by reading books, the Lizard Brain finds a terrific Netflix series for you.  If you’re seeking to become a better husband or wife, the Lizard Brain depletes your emotional gas tank through challenging work days and additional tasks. The grass grows a little faster, and the garage is cluttered. Practices and games need attending, and the house needs straightening. These are all examples of the Lizard Brain creeping in. 

Identifying the moments of persuasion is the first step towards victory. Make an asserted effort to deny them. Limit their space and relativity in your mind.  Acknowledge the Lizard Brain and allow it to pass like a subtle breeze. As Godin puts it, “The lizard hates change and achievement and risk.” Be vigilant and challenge the negativity. Fight with purpose and keep stepping toward your desires.

The Redwood National Park in Northern California houses the most towering trees in the world. The majestic redwood trees can grow up to 300 feet tall. The trees are located approximately 30 miles from the coastline, where they are protected from saltwater. They live no further inland from the sea than the fog can reach. The fog plays a vital role in the nourishment of the forest. It helps to supply continuous moisture that saturates the earth to sustain such an enormous life.

Vast parallels exist between the great redwood trees and our lives. We both fill our voids of existence with resources that help support growth. We draw from these pores and must replenish them regularly. Our resources include:

• Healthy Food & Drink
• Spiritual Enlightenment
• Family & Relationship Development
• Exercise
• Education

We must intentionally saturate ourselves with these resources daily. When one category is left unattended, our lives are not complete. There is a void that thirsts for more.

We are all hurrying from one thing to the next. It can be easy to overlook self-care. Recalibration is key to identifying the resources we need. Dom Raso, CEO of Dynamis Alliance Corp. and Navy Seal, talks about assigning one day a week where we spend time reflecting on our past week and recalibrating for the next. Assess where you allocated your resources and what adjustments are needed.

Morgan Snyder of Ransomed Heart Ministries suggests we make a “2-Degree Shift” in the direction we want to go. He refers to lifestyle adjustments and setting your mind on a course toward renewal. Make subtle changes and understand that we are playing a long game.    

How are you saturating yourself each day?  

What is helping to sustain your life of fulfillment?

Position yourself for continual growth. Your foundation should be rooted in saturated soil. Utilize the beneficial resources and replenish them each day. Study and practice what you wish to become with patience. Your growth will eventually match the enormity of the redwood.

Berea, Ky is my home, and I love it! It rests against the western face of the Appalachian Mountains. With any given sunset, you’ll find yourself reaching for your phone to create your storybook picture. Each time I wonder who I can send mine to that would appreciate such beauty. Beauty that only our Creator can make. Berea is full of “creators.” It is the “Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky,” where many residents create art through woodcrafts, weaving, broom crafts, and ceramics. It is a culture of creativity, innovation, and assertiveness.  

 Artists take many forms, but the one commonality is creation. It can be a beautiful ceramic vase filled with seasonal flowers or a wonderfully written song that touches the depths of our hearts. It can also be in the actions of an individual moving through each day. Someone who navigates and negotiates life’s trials with eloquence. Those fascinating individuals who are assertive and pursue life’s gifts. They unapologetically go after what they want. They allow the world to feel the full weight of who they are. They can live passionately. They live with assertiveness.

The assertive creator is not passive. They have a real understanding that passivity is paralyzing and limits action. It is the opposite of assertiveness. Creator’s are doers who take action and do not wait for the right time. They live with zeal in their heart and mind. Passive individuals lack energy and are fearful, which leads to zero courage. Without courage, we are unable to let the world see our magic. Courage allows us to step out from the curtain and be bold.

There have been many times in my life where I did not take action. I live with regret and wish I would have been courageous. I did not impose my will and let the world see my gifts and determination. I think all of us, at some point, have regretted not taking action. We did not speak up for those who could not. We didn’t stop and help those in need because of our hurried life. We sat idle because we were fearful. We must fight against the temptation of passivity. Be kind, and forgive yourself. Use your artistic abilities and create better scenarios, which leads to a better world.

Keep in mind that wrongful assertiveness exists. Some are bold in declaring opinions about every little thing. These are individuals who are overly forward and have a disregard for others. This regularly occurs on social media, where the unassertive are disguised as assertive, but usually for the wrong reasons. Let us always keep in mind what our intentions are. Our words and actions must bear good fruit. We must be mindful of how they affect others.

Take a risk and assert yourself. Be an artist with your actions, and weave your life blanket. Others will notice your beautiful work and follow your path of action. Keep moving forward with passion and intentionality.