Discover Your Hidden Talent

Do you have a hidden talent trying to break free? Is this hidden talent something that's been locked away because someone once said your talent wasn't good enough? That you would never be able to feed your family on a dream? Talk about a dream killer.

If you try, you could find that hidden talent rising out of the ashes of our smoldering economic climate. As jobs dry up, who knows where that talent could take you if it's given a chance to mature and grow.

Economic recessions roll in periodically to cause those affected to ponder the bad luck that rudely tossed a brick through their window. Bad things happen to good people all the time. Advice columnist, TV psychologists and those untouched attempt to convince the downtrodden of the silver lining hidden in dark clouds hanging overhead.

Our current economic climate has created a ripple effect that has crossed all income levels with challenges a lot of us never expected to deal with in our life time. People who thought they were safe from losing their home and those who thought their job was recession proof. Those who are now homeless and living in vehicles, sacked out on borrowed mattresses in a family or friend's spare room or truly homeless and living on the street. The harsh reality of our economic downturn has upset the natural balance of life as we knew it. People who have been forced into an uncomfortable universe of watching their entire life's work dissolve in front of their eyes. Distraught faces standing in lines to apply for unemployment, food stamps, energy assistance. Having to rely on Government programs in order to survive. Egos have been bruised. Pride has been swallowed. Questions have been asked that those in the know refuse to answer.

The deepening economic crisis at our doorstep has put fear into the heart of our nation. A silver lining is hard to find when so many have lost a lifetime of dreams. In the long run, it probably doesn't matter how we got here or even who is responsible for an economic disaster that could equal Hoover's Great Depression. Time and needed investigations will sift through the sorted, ugly details later.

A fragile economy teeters at the edge of a cliff. Faith in our leaders to understand the scope of the problem is our best hope. We have no choice but to rely on these people to work out the gory details that will enable us to weather this economic storm.

While politicians hammer out specifics, we also have an opportunity to turn inward as individuals to discover hidden talents, desires and dreams that were pushed to the back burner while trying to earn a living. Those talents and dreams we were told can't be done because you will never make a living doing that. Maybe now is the time to try.

We can take advantage of this economic crisis that has invaded our daily lives. Think about it. Who are you, really? What is it that makes you who you are? Anyone who has searched in vane for a job understands the challenges. Choices become clearer with each rejection. There are fewer every day, but our decisions can make opportunities come alive as the economic picture develops. A willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Dare to believe in yourself and a hidden potential deep inside. We all have our own unique set of talents. A little inward thought could pull one loose that could develop, turning your special talent into a paying job.

Take this economic disaster and turn it into an economic dream. Find your true self and build a life around buried hopes and dreams. No, it may not work out. Of course bills have to be paid, kids need their dinner and we all need a roof over our heads. Look at it this way; when times are hard, look for that silver lining. Go to school and change professions. No one wants to work a minimum wage job forever. Find the skills you need to do something you've always wanted to do but never took a chance on. Reinvent yourself. It really is true, where there's a will, there's a way.

What is it you really like to do? Singing, writing, drawing, working on cars, looking at the stars, sewing, cooking. It's probably something you do on a regular basis. Now could be the perfect time to see if maybe this thing you love to do could turn into something you could do the rest of your life and actually pay you to do what you love. How do you know it won't work if you don't try? Talents come with different abilities and styles.

We define ourselves by the perception of how we want others to see us and search for jobs to meet those demands. Even though it's a job you may hate. Financial security is your only incentive to get up each morning and join the other commuters to get to a job that has no satisfying stimulus what so ever. A high paying job that will buy lots of stuff to show off to the neighbors and family. An average job that pays the bills with a little left over for fun. No one wants the last option of struggling just to get by. So now, the question is; which of the above are you? You can take the economic mess we are in to reevaluate your priorities by changing course while the job market resets itself. All you need is the courage in your heart to try. So what if it doesn't bring in as much money. Time and practice may be all that talent needs to become the money maker of your dreams. Maybe it's time to downsize to an income that can support your true self. Would you be happier with more money or a life spent doing something you love to do instead of what you have to do to earn a pay check?

Spring is on it's way. Soon, the land and trees will renew themselves for another year. Life continues, with or without us. Once we've learned what our priorities are, the ride becomes so much smoother. Rediscover the little pleasures in life as you search for your hidden talent lost as youth turned into adulthood. A quiet walk with the one you love holding your hand. Family and friends who stand by your side, a modest life that provides all you need with some of what you want. After all, money doesn't make you happy. Having a life you control can. Economic doom or a chance to redefine yourself. It's all how you want to view the apples and oranges. Hidden talents may not bring in the bacon, but you will never know if you don't try. It could end up bringing home the whole hog.

Holly McCarthy, 50 Free Online Tools To Discover Your Strengths, Weaknesses, and Hidden Talents, Best Universities

Rex Andrews, Discover Your Secret Hidden Talent, SelfGrowth.com

Kori Rodley Irons, 3 Ways To Discover Hidden Talents on the Job, Associated Content