The World Health Organization states that realizing your abilities is the second component of mental health. Everyone has certain gifts and talents that when realized, can be utilized for personal and professional success. Being mentally healthy is when you know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Then, you are free to fully engage as the best version of yourself.
There’s currently a lot of talk about work imposter syndrome. After hearing about it from many patients, it’s not just at work that people experience this feeling. Many people feel lost, not knowing who they are or if they have a purpose. Sometimes, we must start at ground zero before truly embracing our natural abilities. You can follow several steps to rediscover those gifts and how to best utilize them.
Identify your natural gifts
Ever since you were a child, you have had certain talents that weren’t shared by everyone else. Maybe it was athletics, building or designing things, a fascination with numbers or art, music, storytelling, science, words, etc. If these skills were cultivated, you probably excelled in these areas. (I knew in the 8th grade that I’d be a therapist someday). But sometimes a child’s creative desires are discouraged. Even someone who has exceptional skills might be discouraged from a career that would be a natural fit.
It’s difficult to be happy in a career that was chosen for you instead of self-chosen. It’s never too late to decide again. You have a purpose, and fulfillment comes from doing what you are made for, not what someone else thinks you should do. Recognition of how your talent(s) and life experiences were compiled to make you successful is the path to making a significant contribution to your world.
Know your limitations
Knowing your limitations is equally important as knowing your abilities. You might love science, but if complicated words and chemistry are challenging, this might be better as a hobby than a career. On the other hand, if you feel compelled in an area where you simply need additional help and training, then it’s worth the effort.
Be willing to defer the areas you are weakest. There’s no point in wasting time trying to master an area you are not interested in or aren’t good at. (I have help with social media and videos). Every businessperson has people they hire to do the things they least like, can’t, or don’t want to do. The more people you have supporting your cause, the more success you share with others. A good team utilizes everyone’s strengths.
Limitations aren’t just skills; they might also be personality traits. Always be willing to self-examine about how you come across to other people. (I immerse myself in daily spiritual activities to remember to be more loving and patient instead of intolerant). Mental health is about always being willing to learn and grow.
Take a Leap of Faith
Fear is the biggest restraint in fulfilling any dream. You could have all the talent ever needed to be successful, but if you’re afraid to act, it’s wasted. Fear doesn’t have to be a liability.
If you are uncertain of your abilities, start with the things you enjoy doing the most. Many people have made successful careers out of their hobbies. There’s also vocational counseling and testing to help you clarify your talents.
If you can’t motivate yourself, find a support person or a group to help you fulfill your mission. If you have a dream job in mind and you know you have something to contribute, try volunteering just to get your foot in the door. Once you show promise, the sky’s the limit.
Knowing your abilities is key to mental health because it means taking an honest self-appraisal and embracing your strengths and your weaknesses. Then with a little faith, nothing can hold you back from converting all your traits into personal and professional success. You have a reason and a purpose, don’t allow anything to stop you from using your abilities to achieve success.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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