Guest post by Roman Soluk from Optimistic Lifestyle (www.oplife.org)

Very often people are unaware of their abilities; they do not know what talent they have. People are too lazy to engage in self-discovery. Many do not even think that they have a talent. And only a case can suddenly show our abilities, which can be hidden inside of us.

How to find your buried talent?
All children obtain not even one, but plenty of talents. And everything depends on the environment in which they grow. We must notice and create good conditions in order to develop at least one of these talents. These children in future can become artists, musicians, sportsmen, scientists, can speak many foreign languages. All this is inside everyone, and depending on conditions it can be easily, or not so easily, developed. Talented people today are considered to be some kind of “elite”, they are famous, people talk about them, mass media write about them. But there are few of them in the world, so what about the rest… where is their talent? The answer is simple – it is buried inside of them.

Talent is a gift multiplied by your efforts. It can be discovered when working hard on it. It’s never too late to discover and develop your talent. The main thing you need is your great desire. For example, everyone can learn to paint, despite the age. Bad marks at painting lessons at school do not mean that you do not have a talent; it means that you haven’t got a key to it.

Someone can say that only then when we have good marks at school & college, then we’ll gain success. Not necessary…
We learn since the very day of birth: we learn to eat, to walk, to talk, to read, to write etc. Then we go to school to have some education which will give us a chance to go on studying to have a profession, to become a good specialist. After graduating from the university or college, we still go on learning, as now we need an experience. BUT, a constant learning and a university degree isn’t a guarantee that we will achieve a success in our life. The chances for this can be increased by knowing our talent and combining it with our knowledge, experience and degree. Only then we will not only gain success, but we will be pleased by our job, we will become real professionals.
Right now you can do the first steps to learn what talents are hidden inside you, behind your fear and self criticism.
Take 15 minutes of your time and forget about everything. Play such an association game, complete the following sentences (the result will certainly impress you):
1. When I was a child my favorite toy was…
2. When I was a child my favorite game was…
3. The best film I saw when I was a child was…
4. I do it very seldom, but I like…
5. If I had a very good mood, I would do…
6. If it weren’t late I would…
7. My favorite musical instrument is…
8. I like to read secretly… (what?)
9. If I had a perfect childhood I would become a…
10. If it weren’t a stupid idea, I would write (create)…
11. The music that improves my mood is…
12. I like to wear… (what?)
It’s amazing, but this list can completely change your life!
Pay attention to your answers… They can be a key to your talent! It’s the thing which can differentiate you from others.

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Roman Soluk is a professional translator and a blogger based in Ukraine. His blog, Optimistic Lifestyle (www.oplife.org), includes articles about personal development, health, lifestyles and career.