As I embark on my next career, I have been thinking a lot about talent and interest. Do we do what we do because we are naturally good at it? Because being good at something makes us feel good and do more of it? Or do we do what we are interested in, and get better at it with practice? I strongly believe you can master almost anything with practice.
I believe we all have natural talents, whether it's math, cooking, swimming, or any number of things. Does this mean you should aim to be a mathematician, cook, or professional swimmer for your career? Probably not. Everyone of us likely has personal requirements and values that automatically filter out certain prospects, be they financial, geographical, or something else.
Then, should we choose careers based on our interest? Yes, if you subscribe to the theory of "Do what you love, the money will follow" I don't disagree with that idea but I don't think it's that simple. For example, I am a good actor, but I won't be going to auditions or taking head shots or getting an agent any time soon. Why? Because it's a famously difficult profession to make money in, and I am rather risk averse. Maybe I will feel differently at another point in my life, but right now I'm not looking for an SAG card.
The key, then, is to find things that you are naturally good at (your innate strengths) and love to do. What are those things for me?
Stay tuned...
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