“The man of wisdom is never in two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid.” – Confucius

Everyone has talent; something they can do well. When we observe talented people we should marvel at their giftedness, recognise their contribution to society, and separate who they are from what they do. Anyone can make choices that will add value to talent. The key choices you make will set you apart from others who have talent alone.

That’s the message in Talent is Never Enough (also available in South Africa). It’s about realising that despite the fact we’re all born with certain traits, it’s what we do with them that counts. Despite genetic hardwiring, changing our actions changes our outcomes.

“I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.” – E.B. White

Belief lifts your talent. To become your best, you need to believe your best and determine to live way beyond average. Believe in your potential because not reaching it is a real tragedy. You must put believing in yourself, your mission, and your fellow human beings at the top of your list. Remember that you don’t overcome challenges by making them smaller but by making yourself bigger.

“Indecision is often worse than wrong action.” – Henry Ford

Passion energises your talent. Find something you like to do so much you’d gladly do it for nothing. If you learn to do it well, someday people will be happy to pay you for it. Prioritise your life according to your passion with the aim to develop the talent you have, not the one you want. Remember that it’s better to live with the pain of risk than the pain of regret.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” – Henry Ford

Initiative activates your talent. There is no perfect time to act because anything worth doing is worth doing immediately. Accept responsibility for your life because doing so strengthens your talent. People who lack initiative want someone else to motivate them and fail to see the consequences of not following through. Examine your reasons for not initiating, separating legitimate reasons from mere excuses. Challenge your excuses and break large tasks down into smaller ones.

“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke

Preparation positions your talent, focus directs your talent, and practice sharpens your talent. Be intentional and make every action count. Focus on the present and don’t let yesterday hijack your attention. Stop working on weaknesses and start focusing on strengths.

“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” – Raymond Hull

Perseverance sustains your talent, courage tests your talent, and character protects your talent. It’s about succeeding because you’re determined to, not because you’re destined to. Put aside your ego and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that relationships influence your talent and teamwork multiplies your talent. Spend time with fire-lighters, not fire-fighters. It’s about something much bigger than just you!

“The follies which a man regrets most, in his life, are those which he didn’t commit when he had the opportunity.” – Helen Rowland

(My thanks go to Martha Winton at Thomas Nelson Publishers for her support in publishing this review. For more resources and tips, download your free copy of “Work in Progress” exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)