Being talented is often associated with a God given ability to sing, dance or some other form of artistic expression. This notion is supported by shows like American Idol, The Masked Singer and The Voice. Although entertaining, there are few individuals who are talented enough to make it on the big stage. This is true for most things.
What does this mean for the rest of us? Are we devoid of talent, destined to plod through life with rudderless despair at our lack of ability to excel at any one thing?
Talent comes in many forms. You can be elite, above average, average or sub par at just about anything. As far as I can tell, most of us would fall into the average category when taken the sum of all our parts. There’s a reason only a small percentage of the population makes an NBA roster, becomes a chess champion or wins the Scripps Spelling Bee.
This doesn’t mean we’re not talented at certain things, it just means we won’t be winning a contest on TV anytime soon. This may sound harsh but it doesn’t make it any less true. Before there’s an outcry from the peanut gallery about how this sounds defeatist and depressing, let me explain the importance of being average.
The average person is what makes this country run. Working to provide for themselves and their family, the average person could also be defined as a normal, everyday American. They work hard, takes leisure time when they need it and avoid getting into trouble with the law. In the end, they’re a good person who lived a life of meaning for those in their inner circle. Sounds boring doesn’t it? Perhaps, but it’s also necessary for our country to thrive.
Without the average person, there would be no gas stations, fast food restaurants or services available when we needed them. The entire nation would collapse without steady and dependable people to work the jobs we need to not only survive but continue to prosper. This isn’t to say there aren’t fast food workers who are talented at working a grill or providing excellent customer service but I’d say there’s a higher probability they’re working the grill or counter to get a paycheck and nothing else.
When we’re young, we view life through the lens of infinite time to accomplish more and be something other than what we are at that moment. There’s no thought of the time and effort needed to reach a particular goal or whether we have the talent to do it.
My youngest daughter has expressed a dream to be a singer. Although it’s a fun thought, the chances of this happening are remote. It’s not my job as a parent to crush that dream; however, it is my job to help her find what she’s good at, providing support and encouragement along the way as she builds upon the talent she already has.
It all seems very doom and gloom but that’s not the point. The larger percentage of people aren’t going to fall out of bed with a talent to sing or choreograph a musical. These people do exist of course but they’re few and far between. The child playing Beethoven at 3 years old is hardly the norm. The 3 year old struggling to push the circular block through the square hole is more likely, making them average rather than exceptional, which is perfectly fine.
The key is to find the things you are good at and work on them, perfecting your craft to the best of your ability. Rather than comparing yourself to others, be the best version of yourself, whatever that may be.
I’m just thankful I figured out the square block, round hole scenario. It took me a minute, but I got there.
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