Chapter 1: Understanding Our Skills

Many of us grapple with feelings of mediocrity. We may manipulate words with some skill, and we might defend our cherished phrases against the harsh critiques of editors. Yet when asked about our unique abilities, we often find ourselves stumped.

"What am I really good at?" "What skills can I bring to the table?" The silence can be deafening.

It's a curious situation, isn't it? However, recognizing our abilities can truly transform our lives. When we identify what we excel at, we can strategically utilize those talents.

For instance, consider someone adept at crafting catchy article titles. On the surface, it might seem like a modest skill—useful, but nothing earth-shattering. But understanding this talent means they can skip the learning curve of title creation. Without this awareness, they risk adopting poor practices from self-proclaimed experts, which could diminish their natural talent.

Moreover, this person could delve into their title-making process, learn from it, and even teach others. They might further hone their skill and turn it into a paid service. Just one modest talent can unlock a wealth of possibilities.

This is why I prompted my Writing Nook group to share three skills they possess. They don’t have to be extraordinary—just three things they feel competent in, regardless of scale.

But how can we uncover our strengths? Historically, elders in villages would notice the skills of young individuals and guide them toward suitable professions. Nowadays, we must rely on self-discovery, which can be challenging.

When I reflect on my strengths, I find it's crucial to be in a positive frame of mind. Even minor sadness or frustration can distort my self-assessment. A slightly uplifted mood helps me engage in self-reflection without getting discouraged. Of course, being overly elated might lead to unrealistic self-perceptions, so I aim for a balanced mood before evaluating my skills.

I then pose a few straightforward questions to myself: - What activities bring me joy? Writing, without a doubt. I also take pleasure in various forms of editing, including audio and video. I enjoy hosting The Hidden Egg Podcast and discussing profound topics. - What are some pursuits I find intriguing but haven’t tried? Coaching seems appealing, especially in a supportive role. - What unique offerings can I provide to others? I have my Medium Catalogue, which now includes a transition to Substack. Additionally, I have the setup for voice recording and can create diverse visuals, such as book covers.

Once I’m in a constructive mindset, I confront the pivotal question:

What strengths do I possess in writing?

I excel at brainstorming solutions for plot dilemmas. I’ve developed a knack for understanding psychological motivations and gauging reactions. My ability to craft sentences is strong, although I occasionally need to simplify complex ideas. Feedback and editing are also skills I’ve honed; elements like flow, syntax, and structure come relatively easily, although I often hesitate to assert this confidence publicly. Organizing information is another area where I shine.

Now it’s your turn! Give this exercise a try and share your findings. I’d love to see your responses—consider it a challenge. Let me know if this approach benefits you as it has for me.

And above all, remember to trust yourself!

Section 1.1: Embracing Self-Discovery

Chapter 2: Skills that Open Doors