That's not normal
Don't discount your unique talents and gifts
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s nothing “normal” about you.
And I mean that in the kindest, most supportive way.
Over and over again, I find that people don’t appreciate or acknowledge their inherent gifts.
You know that thing that…
…comes so naturally to you?
…you discount and brush off as no big deal?
…you take for granted because you assume others can do it too?
I have news for you: it’s not “normal,” and not everyone can do it.
Yet we tend to think if something comes easy to us, then it must not have much value.
Wrong.
We undervalue our gifts because we don’t see them as gifts at all. Instead, we mistakenly believe them to be mundane, unimportant, and run-of-the-mill and that they come easy to everyone else.
They don’t.
Just because we underestimate things that come naturally to us doesn’t mean others do. In fact, it’s often those very things that draw people to you.
It all comes down to developing the self-awareness to identify what sets you apart and then putting your unique talents to their highest and best use to magnify your impact.
So rest assured, friend, you’re not “normal”—though you might lack awareness.
Most people think they have it, but here are five clues that suggest otherwise:
1. You can’t answer the question, “What do I want?”
Self-aware people seek clarity and understand the importance of carving out time to reflect on their goals regularly. They also accept that what they want may and most likely will change over time and adjust their activities and priorities to support that shift.
2. Your career is on autopilot
If you’ve reached the point in your career where you’re mindlessly going through the motions, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize when they’re in a career rut because they busy themselves being busy, ignoring the red flags of their discontent.
3. You’re a multitasker
Sorry to break it to you, but multitasking dulls your powers of observation. It also prevents you from being fully present with others and picking up on body language subtleties and nuances of tone that suggest there’s something else in play.
4. You don’t understand why everyone is so sensitive
What we think we’re projecting and how others are receiving us can be two very different things. Self-awareness is not just about knowing how you move through the world but also how your energy affects others.
5. You’re always the last to know
Your ability to perceive what is happening—or predict what will happen—in your company or industry means that you understand how to connect the dots and read between the lines. The more observant you are of what’s happening around you, the better you’ll see the current reality and future possibilities.
Do you know what *is* normal?
Thinking about how you can get a head start on 2023.
I have some (actually, a lot of) ideas, and in my latest Forbes article, I share 23 of them you can implement immediately to boost your career and make 2023 your best year yet.
Shine on,
Amy
P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or doing my best not to be “normal,” I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders craft their stories to communicate and connect better, magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.
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