Talents are things that you either
are blessed with and develop or work hard to obtain but in either case they are
inexplicably the greatest treasure you can have. It’s something that you carry
with you and that makes you an individual. Each talent changes who you are in
way that identifies you as “You” and not just another part of the herd. The
most memorable people I’ve ever know have been those who have most clearly
displayed their talents. Some have been musically inclined or had the ability
to captivate a room with their stories. These are the kinds of people I love to
surround myself with and they are the ones who enrich my life in ways that make
me a better person.
Surrounding yourself with people
that are talented is a way to ensure that you never reach that level of ennui
that comes from the average routine of life. By actively sharing their talents
they inspire the human mind to do something more than to sit back in watch.
I’ve seen so many people do great things because someone inspired them with
their talent. Many of these talents may not even be recognized as a clearly
defined talent. Some are more passive than others but each is uniquely able to
make like better.
It is natural to humanity to define
within ourselves our greatest faults or flaws but by doing this we often miss
the most important talents that hid silently behind them. Simply focusing on a
flaw can not only prevent detection of a talent that might fix the flaw but it
could consume you in ways that prevent you from properly living your life. Some
people are naturally talented athletes and it’s easy to point out that you’re
not Michael Jordan or Kobi Bryant but the truth is that maybe you’re better
than them at composing music or writing a book. Despite the focus on what is a
celebrity and what is not this social stigma should be understood within
context; each talent is just as important as the next. No talent should be an embarrassment
to the individual, to be practiced in secret and hidden from the world. The
ability to do something and do it well should be displayed. Remember that talents
aren’t even something tangible or quantifiable. Each one holds its own weight
of importance to the bearer and it is really only what they make of it that
matters.
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| Michael Jordan doing what he does best...flying. |
No talent should be thrown in the
face of those unable to perform to you level. Each person, different and unique
can fill the gaps in the endless quilt of humanity. Where one lacks the ability
another can fill his place and in this great weave of gifts we can accomplish
anything. I don’t mean to get all peace loving and “free love” on you but the
truth remains that these talents are important and I feel strongly that anyone,
whether an Everyday Jack or just an average person, should actively work to
bettering their talents because it will improve their communities, their
friends and their families.
The reason Jack of All Spades was
chosen is not because it was a catchy title or even a good one to market. In
truth it’s not because it fits well with my business strategy or my plan. I
chose to name this organization Jack of All Spades because it is what we aspire
to be; a Jack of All Trades. With each talent we master we become better but if
we begin to try and be better at more than what we are naturally talented we
will succeed in ways never thought possible. That drive to be more than what
you were yesterday or even today is what will propel you into situations you
never thought possible.
Jack of All Spades strive
diligently to hone their skills in all aspects of life so that we can claim to
not be a Jack of All Trades in name only but in action. Whether it’s personal
protection, wilderness survival or even just public speaking the more we prepare,
practice and act on these talents and skills we are becoming masters of our
domain. I have heard excuses for years why someone can or can’t do something
and I wonder what could be achieved if they stopped complaining and acted on
what they wanted. I honestly believe that people in poverty and bad situations continue
there not because they are trapped and there are no options but because they
don’t take control of their talents, their abilities and get themselves out.
I know it’s tough to see the dream
as achievable. There are so many obstacles in your way but by developing those
skills and talents you’re removing those obstacles or shrinking them to a manageable
size. Don’t let anything stand in your way of achieving greatness. If the world
is your oyster then why are you busy complaining about the smell when you should
be looking for the pearl?
