Talents are universal. They’re natural inclinations—ways of thinking, relating, and acting that felt easy to you and rare to others.
Feeling stuck often = misalignment. If you’re uninspired or unfulfilled, you may be under-using (or misusing) your native gifts.
Reflection unlocks growth. Replaying early moments with curiosity reveals patterns you can build on today.
Collect clues. Think back: what came effortlessly to you as a kid—organizing games, explaining rules, making peace, drawing, tinkering, performing, noticing animals or nature?
Ask your circle. If memories are fuzzy, ask parents, caretakers, siblings, or childhood friends:
“What did I do naturally that impressed you?”
“When did I seem in my element?”
Write at least three early talents. Keep them verb-based (e.g., explain, design, calm, solve, connect).
Bridge to the present. For each, note:
Where it shows up now (work/home/creative).
How fully you’re using it (low/medium/high).
One tiny rep this week (≤10 minutes) that feeds it.
Challenge the excuse. If you catch “I’m too busy,” rewrite it as a plan: “Because time is tight, I’ll do a 10-minute rep after lunch M/W/F.”
Explain/Teach: write a 4-step mini-guide; share a 60-second voice note.
Design/Visualize: storyboard three frames before any slide or post.
Calm/Empathize: reach out with one specific appreciation today.
Solve/Systems: sketch a 3-box flow; turn a messy task into a checklist.
Connect/Lead: host a 10-minute alignment huddle that ends with who/what/when.
Nature/Observe: take a 10-minute sensory walk; tend a plant on your desk.
After-glow check: after each rep, jot one line—Energy = −2/−1/0/+1/+2. Keep what lifts you; tweak what drains you.
Proofs folder: save compliments and outcomes tied to your talent. Revisit when doubt spikes.
No perfection needed. Small, steady reps beat heroic bursts you can’t repeat.
Which childhood clue feels most “you” today?
Where will one 10-minute rep fit this week—exact day and time?
Who can you ask for one piece of feedback after you try it?
— Sandro Formica, PhD
Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])
Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program
Happiness Fundamentals | Needs | Values | Talents & Skills | Thoughts & Beliefs | Emotions | Empathetic Communication | Imagination | Life Purpose | Life Plan
