Are You Struggle Bussing Unnecessarily?
Why working harder isn't always the best strategy
I’ve been evangelizing the power of aptitudes for some time now - those innate traits that define our natural talents. Often, when I reveal someone’s aptitude profile, they’ll ask, “What did I do really well in?” or “How can I get better?” They’re missing the point. Sure, general competency - up to a 6th-grade math level, the ability to read and comprehend information, and a clear and concise writing style - is necessary to be a functioning adult. But so often, we obsess over those things we’ve struggled in - those things teachers told us we needed to get better at or those things we’ve tricked ourselves into believing are keys to success - while leaving our natural gifts whithering in the corner.
What are you working hard to improve in your life? Why?
I get goosebumps when I see someone fully in their element: crafting their craft, dancing their dance, or singing their song. I get the opposite of goosebumps (whatever that is) when I see someone tucking away their gifts because they think they are getting in their way. I wonder how long it will take them to realize that their talents are the compass directing them toward fulfilling lives.
My co-author for the book Your Hidden Genius, Betsy Wills, and I had a fascinating conversation with Adam Taggart, a former executive at Yahoo and finance guru, about how financial success (the thing every single person I talk to ultimately wants) depends on first doing the work to know our purpose. All career and money decisions have to start at a place of self-awareness.
Self-awareness includes knowing our values, our interests, our natural propensities, and our aptitudes. The aptitudes piece is what is most misunderstood because they can only be revealed through a science-backed assessment. It’s the missing link, the final piece to the puzzle that can shed light on a new, more fulfilling education and career path.
Others have taken an interest in this idea, which goes against the grain in the nature vs. nurture debate. We have some hardwiring (nature) that needs to be honed and developed (nurture). Just as Michael Phelps has the ideal swimmer’s body, but still needed to put hours in the pool to become an Olympic athlete.
Listen to more conversations about aptitudes and career wellness:
Alex Ellison is the owner of Throughline Guidance and coauthor of the book Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents (YourHiddenGenius.com).