Creatives tend to be good at a lot of different things. So they usually wear many hats. Look at the creatives you follow on Twitter. Their descriptions list multifarious skills like, “I’m a graphic designer, carpenter, astrophysicist, and bassoonist.” And they’re probably praised by their friends for their skills in each of these areas.
But just because they’re good at doing some things doesn’t mean they should do them.
Artists don’t like to be boxed in. At least I don’t. I get tempted to dabble in everything my greedy little eyes see. And I tend to be good at it all. So much of my life I’ve spread myself thin by jacking all trades and mastering none.
But lately I’m re-thinking that strategy. I’ve noticed the ones that impact the world are pretty similar to me. The more time I spend with these people, the more of their hidden talents I uncover. They aren’t ashamed to be great graphic designers or have a flow like Jay-Z…they just realize that’s not what they’re best at. The true world-changers focus on their greatest talents.
They put their other skills aside and focus on their core skills. It doesn’t mean they never design again or never drop dope rhymes. But they don’t let their days get consumed with those pursuits.
I’ve begun the journey of ignoring my skills in favor of my core skills. I’m putting down the guitar and singing. I’ve stopped pursuing graphic design clients. I’m training others to take over various areas that don’t need my involvement. I’m on the quest to discover my core skills and develop those.
I’m getting close. But it’s a never ending journey. And it’s exciting.
So what are your core skills? Have you discovered them yet? What skills do you need to ignore in order to pursue your greater talents?
I need to work on focusing on one skill more than focusing on everything too. I’ve found it helps to let God guide and he’ll lead you to the thing you should be focused on right then.
Yep. It’s a lengthy process and it’s important to let God guide you to what He wants you to accomplish.
I need to work on focusing on one skill more than focusing on everything too. I’ve found it helps to let God guide and he’ll lead you to the thing you should be focused on right then.
Yep. It’s a lengthy process and it’s important to let God guide you to what He wants you to accomplish.
As some may say, ‘you are steppin’ on my toes.” This is something I definitely needed to read and it convicted me to go back to my roots…once again!
I’m 27 and just started the quest of finding my purpose and working towards recognizinig my primary skills. This is going on with much praying and will soon include fasting…getting away from the stuff that robs my time and from the stuff that just makes me “busy” but not “fulfilled.”
I’m definitely going to continue visiting your page. When you have time, please check out my site and give me your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks!
Glad I’m toe stepping! That was definitely my intention with this post. Very cool site! Are you wanting to be a cartoonist professionally or is this a hobby?
The cartooning is more of a hobby right now. The writing and analyzing of cartoons as I watch them is what I greatly enjoy doing. I can watch a series and take in and observe and consult on everything from the animation style to its quality, the writing and dialogue; I even wrote in the past regarding the deeper, thought provoking elements of a cartoon.
Cartoon Daily News is kind of my “animated ministry” of sorts and I’m hoping to explode it into something major as I connect my love for writing and Journalism, Ministry, and Cartoons.
That’s awesome! I love how absolutely different your idea is…
Don’t let anyone discourage you from that. Just cause people can’t grasp a concept doesn’t mean it won’t work! 🙂
Your words of encouragement definitely means alot. Thank you so much!!! I’m definitely going to push as hard as I possibly can with it.
Your site has been very helpful, I ran into last night and revisited this morning.
I trust that it definitely took a lot of late nights and a lot of blogging to get to where you are now. Its definitely something to aspire too!!! Your site as well as the content rocks!!!
Thanks, Ken! It’s constantly a work in progress. 🙂 And it’s a bit scary every risk I take
As some may say, ‘you are steppin’ on my toes.” This is something I definitely needed to read and it convicted me to go back to my roots…once again!
I’m 27 and just started the quest of finding my purpose and working towards recognizinig my primary skills. This is going on with much praying and will soon include fasting…getting away from the stuff that robs my time and from the stuff that just makes me “busy” but not “fulfilled.”
I’m definitely going to continue visiting your page. When you have time, please check out my site and give me your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks!
Glad I’m toe stepping! That was definitely my intention with this post. Very cool site! Are you wanting to be a cartoonist professionally or is this a hobby?
The cartooning is more of a hobby right now. The writing and analyzing of cartoons as I watch them is what I greatly enjoy doing. I can watch a series and take in and observe and consult on everything from the animation style to its quality, the writing and dialogue; I even wrote in the past regarding the deeper, thought provoking elements of a cartoon.
Cartoon Daily News is kind of my “animated ministry” of sorts and I’m hoping to explode it into something major as I connect my love for writing and Journalism, Ministry, and Cartoons.
That’s awesome! I love how absolutely different your idea is…
Don’t let anyone discourage you from that. Just cause people can’t grasp a concept doesn’t mean it won’t work! 🙂
Your words of encouragement definitely means alot. Thank you so much!!! I’m definitely going to push as hard as I possibly can with it.
Your site has been very helpful, I ran into last night and revisited this morning.
I trust that it definitely took a lot of late nights and a lot of blogging to get to where you are now. Its definitely something to aspire too!!! Your site as well as the content rocks!!!
Thanks, Ken! It’s constantly a work in progress. 🙂 And it’s a bit scary every risk I take
Hahaha. All you said is true. It’s hard to really focus in at times. Right now I am evaluating what I want to truly be known for – not just for my own ego, but to truly make an impact.
It’s hard to let go though. That said, the growth that comes with mature decision making such as this is well worth it.
I’m struggling with that too. I think it’s a constant struggle…even for those who are well known. But it’s a blast when you get a glimpse of that dream being fulfilled. 🙂
Hahaha. All you said is true. It’s hard to really focus in at times. Right now I am evaluating what I want to truly be known for – not just for my own ego, but to truly make an impact.
It’s hard to let go though. That said, the growth that comes with mature decision making such as this is well worth it.
I’m struggling with that too. I think it’s a constant struggle…even for those who are well known. But it’s a blast when you get a glimpse of that dream being fulfilled. 🙂
I think that I am still trying to find my definite skill set. It is a work in progress…
You can do it! Ask your friends what they think is your best skill. (Blunt friends…not the tactful ones)
I think that I am still trying to find my definite skill set. It is a work in progress…
You can do it! Ask your friends what they think is your best skill. (Blunt friends…not the tactful ones)
Wow. I’m glad I’m not alone. I thought I was alone in skill diversity/confusion.
I’d love to hear from you guys as to what you are doing or how you are discovering your core skills.
Is it what you’re most drawn to?
Is it how you put food on the table?
What is most confirmed in your life?
Thoughts from anyone?
I think it has a bunch to do with what you feel most excited about. I love graphic design, music, and such…but I feel most excited when I connect people with a new idea or get them inspired to do something. And assuming I’m actually good at it…that’s where the sweetspot is. Your passion mixed with what you’re best at.
Wow. I’m glad I’m not alone. I thought I was alone in skill diversity/confusion.
I’d love to hear from you guys as to what you are doing or how you are discovering your core skills.
Is it what you’re most drawn to?
Is it how you put food on the table?
What is most confirmed in your life?
Thoughts from anyone?
I think it has a bunch to do with what you feel most excited about. I love graphic design, music, and such…but I feel most excited when I connect people with a new idea or get them inspired to do something. And assuming I’m actually good at it…that’s where the sweetspot is. Your passion mixed with what you’re best at.