I'm going to let you in on a little secret.
The most depressing thing you can say to someone is: “You can be anything you want to be.”
“Amber!” I hear you saying. “What are you talking about?? That's a wonderful thing to tell someone!” You know, I used to feel the same way – until I sat down one day and read Strengths Finders 2.0 by Tom Rath. The book takes a look at the common belief that, with enough gumption and effort, anyone can learn to be anything they want to be.
It's a really nice idea, I'll give you that.
But it isn't true.
Not everyone can just put their mind to it and become a rocket scientist, an amazing artist, a brilliant brand strategist, a gifted PR expert, or a talented violinist, for example.
And you know what? That's totally okay!
As Tom Roth explores in Strengths Finders, there's a big difference between knowledge, skills, and talent. And while knowledge and skills can (and should!) be acquired, talents are whole other ballgame!
Talents are unique, enduring, and resistant to change. Anyone can pick up the same knowledge and skills that you have right now – but your talents? Those are what set you apart!
When I hear someone tell someone else that they can be anything they want to be, I feel like that ignores the unique talents, hopes, and dreams that make them who they are.
In your role as CEO, you should be focusing on the things that come naturally to you and the things that you excel at. Keeping up with every little reminder, email, tweak, meeting, upgrade, download, phone call, lead, etc … it's EXHAUSTING.
It's totally crucial for you to understand where your strengths and talents lie so that you can outsource the rest of it! You should be focusing your own efforts on the areas where they provide the best benefit for your growing business.
So, answer these 4 questions to discover your CEO Superpower and share it with us in the comments:
1. What do you love to do?
2. What do people always tell you you're good at?
3. Where do you think you provide the most value to your business?
4. What are you doing when you feel the most inspired, alive, and powerful?
