Natural Skills and Acquired Skills
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"Out of the Human Potential movement came the idea that people can do anything they want if they just put their minds and efforts into it."
Unfortunately, this idea has sometimes led to the belief that if we can do anything, we should be able to do everything. As a result, we often take on too much, including responsibilities that don't draw on our natural skills or talents.
Understanding Natural Skills and Acquired Skills
There are things you do better than other people; these skills and talents are what you do naturally. Opportunities to use them can bring joy, satisfaction, and a greater sense of meaning to your life. The more you focus on activities that draw on these natural strengths, the more likely you are to feel engaged, perform well, and experience satisfaction in what you do.
There are also things you’ve learned to do but that don’t make use of your natural skill set. Even though you may do these acquired skills at a reasonable or even expert level, they tend to require greater effort and usually don’t bring the same rewards.
Understanding your Perceptual Style can help you recognize the kinds of activities and experiences that naturally engage your attention and draw on your strengths. It can also help you distinguish between skills you've developed through practice and abilities that feel more natural and satisfying to use. Both have value, but recognizing the difference can help you make more intentional choices about how you spend your time and energy.
Why Your Natural Strengths Matter
Even more to the point, the very tasks that are not your strengths come easily and naturally to others.
So, you need to dance to your music and let others dance to theirs.
Concentrate on doing what comes naturally to you, while recognizing the value of the different strengths others bring.
Take Action: Recognize What Drains Your Energy
One way to start is to take a look at the activities that wear you out.
- What tasks do you dread or put off?
- What tasks provide only a small sense of satisfaction and drain your energy?
Ask yourself who you know who does these things easily and seemingly without effort. If you don't know anyone who fits this description, maybe it's time to find someone who does! By recognizing and appreciating one another's different strengths, you can each contribute in ways that feel natural and rewarding. Then both of you can dance to your own music with confidence and style.
Have you noticed the difference between activities that come naturally to you and those that require more effort? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comment section below.
Discover how understanding your Perceptual Style can help you recognize your natural strengths, appreciate the talents of others, and make more satisfying choices in work and life. Explore The Power of Your Perception.
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About Lynda-Ross
Lynda-Ross Vega is a partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd. She specializes in helping corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals with interpersonal communications, team dynamics, personal development, and navigating change. Lynda-Ross is co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory, a revolutionary behavioral psychology theory and assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their natural strengths and build the life and career they dream of.
Additional information about Lynda-Ross
