Talents

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.

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?