http://www.amandamillerlittlejohn.com

There’s a misconception about talents – that the more you have, the better off you are.

I’ve heard from people who feel like they have few true talents, and would give anything to have more. But what I don’t think they realize is that having many talents can be almost as frustrating as having none at all.

And here’s why:

Smart people, observing your gifts, will always find a way to utilize you.

There will rarely be a shortage of opportunity when you add value to others and are a joy to be around. Challenges arise when (not if, but when) you find yourself with more opportunities than you have time for, and you have to start making decisions about what to do vs. what not to pursue.

It can be difficult to feel like you’re making the right choice, especially when your decision has long-term implications.

Sometimes the questions don’t have long-range implications but will still impact your life over the next week – whether you should volunteer this semester at your child’s school, accept the unpaid speaking invitation, or respond to a request for you to participate in a tele summit.

But often times the stakes are higher. Should you take that new job offer in another state, or try to climb the ranks where you are? Should you commit to a new lucrative consulting project, and give up all time for your personal creative pursuits?

Sometimes it’s hard to know. And unfortunately our gifts don’t come with a timeline and an instruction manual.

When you’re talented, it’s SO important to understand what YOU want to do. If you’re not clear on the direction you want your career to take, others will steer your ship (and talents) towards their own benefit.

If you’re not clear on your purpose and how each opportunity falls in line with your goals, you will eventually wake up one day having done a whole lot of meaningful things that may have meant nothing to you.