No matter what I turn my hand to, no matter how hard I practice, I never seem to be good at anything. I don’t want to be good at everything, just to be good at something…
Like you, I’ve tried many things but I’m not really good at any of them. My inability to distinguish myself at any task used to get me down. However, I’ve been thinking and have come to a very liberating conclusion: this world is full of people who, like you and me, aren’t particularly virtuosos but they somehow keep the world turning. From the introspective nature of your post I’m willing to bet you’re a very thoughtful person, someone who–even if your outward appearance disguises your feelings–is very attuned to the world around you. I’m even betting that you’re skilled at picking up on the needs of others, that you can “read” the needs of others. If this is the case (and even if it isn’t) you can be good at helping others through tough times. If you help others (especially without their knowing you’ve shown them a bit of kindness) you’ll be very skilled at some of the most important work there is–making and keeping the world a better place. I’ve been practicing this myself. It’s a kind of therapeutic exercise because, no matter what you do, your actions help someone. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Kate. Goodness knows, at least you’re trying to be a better person (although I suspect you’re a wonderful individual). In that respect you’re way ahead of many others I know.
Just keep being yourself.
Tse S
Same sentiments here. I’ve also been searching for an answer to whether I’m actually good at anything, but I’ve learnt that I got to work to be good, cause I believe it’s until you have loads of practice then you could actually be great at it. Whether it’s teaching, rock-climbing, studying or even being a good friend, I believe that as long as we put in the effort, we would definitely be able to be achieve what we desire.
Work for the things you want and believe you can do it.
(Being good at stuff never come naturally)
HJ
I totally inderstand. I can administrate a remote linux server, analyse GIS data, play the drums, use Photoshop pretty well, layout a magazine and prep for printing in InDesign, code a website, write PHP and MySQL, take pretty good photos, edit video pretty well, cook some very nice things, write competently, etc, etc… but I can’t do any of them WELL. I’m a jack of all trades and master of none, and its infuriating (and getting me down right now, which is how googled my way to this page). I have no advice, just wanted to join in, heh.
The only positive thoughts I do have are that there’s always going to be someone better than you. Its really annoying, but true. If you can be as good as you can be, and try your hardest at whatever it is you’re doing, then that’s all you can ask of yourself. If you do your best, you can be proud of yourself for that.
Max
i sat here trying to write something that makes perfect sense, but 3 paragraphs later i realised i can say it in two lines:
1) you still haven’t found your real talent
2) you know of your real talent, but you are afraid to practice it
Nina
“Every Master was once a disaster”
Taylore
I completly feel you.
Sometimes i feel as though i have no use.
Im working retail, and i live with my boyfriend.
I dont feel like i have ever accomplished anything huge, and i feel like everytime i try to do things i never succeed.
My life consists of going to work and coming home. And i dont know how to change that.
dave
there is a lot of truth to what Max says.
I worked very hard to start a business, and it utterly failed. It took away an entire year of my life, and it took me by such surprise and I was left feeling quite useless at everything.
Then I realized that the business did not fully utilize my strengths, nor my talents. I had to be honest with myself and face the fact that I was putting placing my God-given talents on the back-burner because I was putting worldly needs and worries first (such as making money in my case)
Something I used to tell all my friends:
“Don’t chase happiness, or fame, or money, but instead pursue your natural gifts and talents and the rest will come chasing after you :o)
How wise these words, and what a fool I am for not swallowing my own medicine.
Regardless, we all have talents, and its a matter of us to discover them and to exploit them for the betterment of society. It is only then, that when we use our gifts for the sake of others, by bringing smiles to others, that we find the deepest sense of joy, peace, meaning, and purpose in life.
I know how it feels, but I believe in you and your potential.
charlotte
You write the words that I have felt for a long time: I want to be good at something. I’ve considered every career that some reporter says is hot. My friends think I should be happy because I have a good job with good pay, but it’s just not enough. The only thing I would miss tomorrow if it disappeared today is the money, and maybe a few people. I would rather be really good at something, just one thing. I would rather be really happy and engaged by something than have the money. The trouble is, I always ran after the money. When I had a chance to do the interesting thing, I chose the thing that paid more. Max and dave said it best: Time to look at my true talent (which Max is right, I know of it) and find the courage to practice it.
Eddie
I know exactly how you feel. I am 25 years old and I constantly have thoughts that I am not fulfilling anything impressive in my life. I usually have thoughts like these after I watch someone with a lot of talent like sing or play the guitar. I just wish i had an impressive talent. I feel like I got the short end of the stick so to speak. I sometimes feel like i am to old and have little time with work and school to pick up a hobby. Sometimes I feel like there is something else I should be doing but I just cant figure it out. I just wanted to let you know that your not the only one who has thoughts like these. Good luck with everthing. GOD bless!
patchaiii
dude, at least you’re doing something progressive in your life like working and going to school. you dont have to fulfill anything impressive in your life, in fact the most wise and people with most virtue are just average. what really a talented person does for society other than add up to another 15 minutes of retardation by assisting their performance? television puts so much greatness in ‘talented’ people and you know it. pop artists like britney spears get 1000 times more money than a doctor who researches cancer.
the problem i see here is that us people who cant figure it out are those who werent let out to play with other children when kids. those years in which we’re young, our brains are supposed to develop the system that we lack today. Im trying to figure out how to figure it out too. good luck to you too.
Rob
You are already very good at some things in your in life!!!
You probably think these things don't count because it comes easily and you can't even identify what these skills are. The people around you who are not good at them are amazed at your talent and skill but you put it down to luck or “thats easy anyone can do it”.
Re-read what Kate said, she had great insight.
Being a really good and kind person is something few ever achieve and most can't figure out. If you are that decent person you have a power and skill far beyond that of any athlete, executive or technician.
Be cheerful you have already succeeded you just need to learn to feel good about yourself. Rob
(8 votes, average: 1.00 out of 1)
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