Everyone has unique abilities and is useful for the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, there are still many people who have difficulty identifying their abilities and do not know the best way to maximize their abilities. Are you a bookworm who likes to deal with numbers? Or are you weak in academics but very good at socializing with other people? Whatever your talents and abilities, it is important that you know how to use and develop them to the best of your ability!
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Part 1 of 3: Realizing Ability
Step 1. Realize your abilities
There are people who have various abilities but are not aware of any of them. Maybe you are like that too. Ability is not limited to knowledge; Capability is a person's way of reaching out to information and the people around him. The types of abilities include technical abilities, abilities that can be applied in various areas (transferable skills), and personal abilities. Technical ability is in the “how to…” realm, such as how to fix something as well as how to enforce or follow rules (such as when someone works as a mechanic, nurse, artist, or racer). Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied in various situations, such as organizational skills, customer service skills, the ability to work in teams, and leadership. Usually, transferable skills can also be applied in various activities and professions. Meanwhile, personal abilities include the ability to be relied on, the ability to take initiative, the ability to listen to intuition, and the ability to motivate yourself.
Reflect on your abilities and realize that you have many abilities. Reflect on how these skills have helped you in the past (such as planning a wedding or smoothing the interview process), then think about how you can best maximize those skills in the future
Step 2. Reflect on the things that make you happy
There's no point in using and developing skills you don't like. Even if you can afford it, don't waste time doing things that don't make you happy. Remember, money can't buy happiness. Think of things that make you happy.
Do you have a good relationship with everyone, have a natural charisma, and love to make new friends? If so, you might consider working in company sales or in a field that allows you to connect with many people (such as volunteer coordinator). Do you like tinkering with things? Do you want to be mechanical or do you like fixing up your old toys? This ability can be very useful for your future! Know the things that can make you happy and maximize your abilities in those areas
Step 3. Create a goal
People who have goals tend to be happier and achieve more in life. Think about what you want to develop, think about what influenced you to develop those abilities. When setting goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and timely.
- If your goal is to run for the sake of health, try to make the goal more specific (for example, specify that you must run 5 km in … hours). Avoid goals that are too general, make your goals as specific as possible.
- Make your goals measurable by setting a date; also determine the timeframe. For example, you've decided to run 5 km on a certain date in a few hours. To meet these targets, of course you have to practice and prepare yourself. This is where detailed and specific planning is needed.
- Achievable goals are goals that are challenging, but still within your reach. Wanting to be the first to step on Mars seems like too much; challenging, but almost impossible to achieve. Try to make goals that are easier to achieve, such as riding a motorbike even if you are afraid of falling.
- By focusing on results, you can stay motivated throughout the process. Think about the benefits that you will achieve if the goal is achieved and focus on the end result.
- A timely destination always has an end point. Instead of just thinking, "I'm going to climb the mountain", try setting a clearer goal and a deadline such as, "I will reach the top of Mount Mahameru on August 16".
- For more information on setting goals, read the How to Set Goals and Achieve them page.
Step 4. Earn a degree in an academic field
If you want to develop skills in technical fields, computers, foreign languages, psychology, etc., studying them through formal education is the best choice. Especially because the knowledge taught at the university will be highly appreciated by job seekers. If you want to work in these fields at the same time, an academic degree is the key that you should have.
- If you are only interested in gaining knowledge, not a career, seeking knowledge through relevant courses is a cheaper but equally quality option. Often, the courses also open different classes to accommodate different interests.
- You can also hire someone to learn specific skills. Maybe you want to be a diving instructor but don't know how to teach diving. By hiring a real dive instructor, you can learn how to teach properly.
Step 5. Make friends/relationships
Establishing and expanding relationships can greatly benefit your business interests as well as develop your personal skills. Relationships allow you to receive information, new partners, and new strengths. Find ways to connect with other people who share similar interests, whether it's through social media, public events, or simply through your friends.
- Join a professional club or community that hosts people with similar interests or careers.
- Take advantage of opportunities to meet people with similar interests. Ask them to share information about how to develop skills, achieve success, and things to learn or avoid in the process.
- If you want to learn a unique new skill, like welding, try taking a special class. Taking welding classes allows you to meet people who share similar interests, and pave the way for you to develop these skills with expert help.
Part 2 of 3: Using Abilities
Step 1. Make the most of the resources you have
You may love to sing, but don't know how to take advantage of it. It's also possible that you love writing but don't know how to express it. Build relationships with people who can help you develop these skills. Also ask how to maximize this ability to the closest people such as friends, relatives, or co-workers. Some universities often conduct interest and aptitude tests to help identify a person's strengths and weaknesses. At least, the results of this test can be taken into consideration when choosing a career in the future.
Ask the people around you. You may be told that your church is looking for a singer to join the church choir. You may also be told that the local newspaper in your area is in need of contributors. Don't be shy to ask
Step 2. Transfer your skills
Maybe you want to change careers but are worried that you won't have enough experience in your new field. Maybe you want to return to work after spending a long time as a housewife. Think back to the abilities you already have and develop them! For example, housewives are usually very organizational, good at managing time, good at controlling, able to stay calm under pressure, and used to doing many things at the same time. You can always learn new knowledge. But if you already have a variety of “old” skills, develop them and transfer them to your new environment!
Study the role tree exercise: Think about the roles you currently (or used to) have, and then write down the abilities that accompany those roles. Observe which abilities intersect, which abilities are fun, and which abilities can help you move forward
Step 3. Be a volunteer
One way to take advantage of your abilities is to volunteer. Volunteering also helps you realize your abilities, as well as build relationships with other people who can help you hone those skills. Another advantage, volunteering is very beneficial to maintain your mental and physical health, make your life purposeful, and increase your self-confidence. If you are interested in volunteering, browse the internet or ask people around you for information about NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that are relevant to your interests.
- Start volunteering at an animal shelter. Afterward, you may find that you enjoy working with animals.
- Some people choose to volunteer for troubled children. They can usually find a new passion to help these children succeed and thrive.
- Maybe you enjoy doing behind-the-scenes work and decide to apply for the role of music and lighting in charge of the local drama club.
Step 4. Contribute to society
Apart from being a volunteer, you also need to actively participate in the community. You can work or volunteer in various community activities, work as an intern at a local government office, or become a church event organizer. Choose activities that are relevant to the skills you want to develop.
If you love to design something, create a promotional flyer for a local event. If you love to sing, offer to become a member of the church choir. Believe me, many roads lead to Rome
Step 5. Pursue a career in your field of interest
If you are passionate about doing an activity you enjoy every day, try making it a career choice! Most artists know their lives will be difficult when they choose to pursue a career in the arts, but they do it anyway. Why? Because they can't imagine their life having to do other things they don't like. After choosing to depend on your abilities for income, you will likely be motivated to solve life's problems with a new perspective, and develop these skills in creative ways.
If you are creative, try pursuing a career as an actor, singer, dancer, or other artist. If you enjoy doing things with your hands, try becoming an electrician or foreman. If you love flowers, consider pursuing a career as a flower arrangement expert
Part 3 of 3: Developing Skills
Step 1. Train your leadership spirit
Seize opportunities to lead by leveraging your abilities. Being a leader will make your abilities even more valuable, as well as make you a more authoritative person in the eyes of others. If people view you as a leader, they will likely expect you to be a person who can make decisions and handle difficult situations. Having a leadership role helps you to see and approach things from a different perspective. If you have an idea, share it right away! Don't wait for someone else to come up with an idea first.
Offer to oversee a charity or organize an event in your area. Do the work you are already a part of or create a new program that you find interesting
Step 2. Be a mentor
One creative way to manage your interests is to mentor others who have similar interests. By doing so, you have a new role as teacher and guide; indirectly, you also have the opportunity to learn about your interests in a different way.
Realize that the people you mentor can be powerful motivators to develop your skills
Step 3. Participate in healthy and positive competitions
Having a competitive spirit is something healthy and natural. Competition can also help us to grow in a better direction. Enter competitions that are relevant to your abilities.
- With fellow painters, compete to determine who can sell a painting or create the most original designs in a month.
- Look for business competitors and ask if they are willing to enter a small competition with you.
Step 4. Balance the criticism
Many people easily forget positive feedback after hearing one negative critique. Always remember your passion and passion to develop your abilities; don't stop trying. View criticism as constructive feedback. Listen to criticism thrown at you, don't take it defensively, and realize that everything you do has risks (and failure always accompanies risk).
Also realize that there are people who just want to hurt you. Therefore, do not immediately swallow the criticism that was made, observe what you can improve, and move on with life
Step 5. Join an organization
Following an organization is a powerful way to make connections and stay up-to-date in your field. Whether it's a professional organization or a small group of people with similar hobbies, both are worth joining to develop and hone your skills.
Attend seminars held by relevant organizations. Immerse yourself in the true organizational culture
Step 6. Be “stubborn” in a positive sense
At some point, you may feel very bored, unproductive, and stagnant. If that happens, don't give up. Find creative ways to overcome your predicament, then get back to whatever you're doing. Use your abilities, master them and then develop them to no limit!
