There always comes the time when we ask ourselves this question. Whether you are graduating from school or college, want to entirely change your occupation, or desire to improve your hobby skills. Don't be frustrated thinking that you are the only one who worries about such an issue. And don't get desperate because there are ways to check which activities can bring joy, money, and satisfaction to you.
Let's consider those things you are passionate about, try to understand your natural talents, and determine your strong points together in this article. We have prepared a list of 8 steps to help you find out your abilities and skills. We hope these tips will help you find your motivation, learn your passion, and help in your career.
What You Already Know
Let's think about what you can already do. It is not only your academic experience or previous jobs. (Though these skills also count). Have you participated in any volunteer activities or sports competitions in your neighborhood? Or maybe you have filmed a couple of clips for your TikTok or YouTube accounts? Or have you designed a simple website or helped to make a logo for your friend's brand? Maybe you are fond of inline skating or rope jumping? Give yourself some time to remember and write down all the things that you tried to do in your life.
Choose in What Activities You Feel Confident
There happen such periods when you feel totally incapable of doing some tasks. You start and fail, start again, and see no luck. And you desperately turn to another activity –– to feel the power again. Well, probably after another cup of coffee and a walk. Take notice of what you do at such moments. Maybe you listen to music, or dance, or do the cleaning. It doesn't mean you have to be a cleaner, though, not that straightforward. But if you like when everything is neat, think of a cleaning manager role in your own business.
Spontaneous curiosity also shows you what you like and may point to new talents. When you are ready to learn something new and devote time to it, it's great. At least this can give you a direction of your interest, and with time, it may grow into something serious.
What Can You Do at Almost No Effort?
It sounds strange, but only at first. The thing is that you could never even think about this 'superpower' of yours. Like, you always knew how to make a dog do what you ask. You did that with all the dogs of your parents' friends in your childhood. And, maybe, you adored training dogs then. Or, perhaps you like cooking tasty pancakes or homemade ice cream that everyone is fond of?
Interestingly, such ‘minor’ talents are those things that we believe everyone can do. Or that they are almost useless. Like, if you are good at listening to people and help them feel released, maybe you could be a good psychologist? But you only think all people can do that. When you don't need to work hard to do something, it's easy to neglect it. So, listen to what people tell you, what compliments they make, and what they admire about you.
What Are Your Hobbies?
It's quite a standard approach –– to look at the things you enjoy doing in your free time. Sure, when there is no pressure of making financial reports or writing academic essays, doing chores, or taking your kids to school (or helping your parents), you feel released. Here your true inspiration comes out. But let's dig a bit deeper and be a bit more practical about it.
During the next week or ten days, you need to write down 5-7 activities that you really enjoy. Every time you feel great, note what you are doing. Maybe, your number will grow far greater than just seven. That's okay, keep going! But that's not the end of the task yet. The more intricate part is to think about why you like it. Is there anything you do because you want to share your knowledge or help others?
There are at least two signals that will help you determine your true interests. First is when you totally forget about time. You may not notice it at all. Like, two hours can seem to be ten minutes. Have you ever felt that? We bet you have! And the second trigger is when you feel tired of other things, this activity somehow gives you energy. It sounds impossible, but sometimes this happens.
What Did You Like in Your Childhood?
Think about the times when you were a child. The thing is that talents stay with us, no matter if we nurture them or not. We feel more freedom and inspiration in our younger years, so think of what you liked then. Or try to remember what your teachers, parents, friends, or coaches told about you. If you liked to perform plays in front of your parents, you might be a good actor, stage director, or screenplay writer.
Listen to What People Say
Yes, so simple. We often get confused when we ask other people about our strong points. But talk to people who you trust and whose opinion is essential for you. Ask your colleagues (former or current), ask your business partners or clients (if this is applicable), family, friends, and maybe friends of your friends. You can try to ask your followers on social networks too 😉
Stay Positive and Open-Minded
When you ask for your strong points, be ready to hear many unexpected and sometimes surprising things. But don't be in a hurry to step over them. There are many strong points hidden behind those characteristics, as they reveal your personality from another perspective.
Finding out what you are good at is a great starting point for your new career. The talents you never cared about before can bring you new opportunities, and hopefully, help you find the job of your dreams.
