Finding Your Hidden Strengths

All of us have natural talents, but some of them remain hidden beneath the surface until we discover them, by accident or design. There are certain things you can do to unearth those hidden skills, and by doing so you could unlock a wealth of potential and improve your career prospects. So how should you go about it?

Firstly, stop thinking 'I can't'. Negative thinking always holds you back, but when you tell yourself to give something a go, you might be surprised by the results. Remain open-minded at all times, because trying new things can open new doors. If your employer offers you training in something – anything – seize the opportunity.

Also take some time for self-reflection. Don't just think about the obvious, or dwell on the things you already know you're good at and are interested in. Branch out. What could interest you? What have you wanted to try in the past but have never had the opportunity to pursue? Unless you try, you'll never know. Whether it's self-doubt holding you back or thinking you won't be interested in it, at least give it a try.

Often people class themselves as being of a certain mindset – creative, technical, scientific, mathematical. There's no such thing as categories. People don't fit into neat, narrow little slots. Push your boundaries and try something completely outside your comfort zone.

There's a world of possibilities out there, and a wealth of hidden talents to discover. We all have our fortes, but if you want to succeed in life, you need to expand your skill set and embrace the unknown.