comfort zone
I was prompted to do the following assignment:
All of us have a unique ability; something, that when executed, life seems to flow with effortless ease. When we're performing this unique ability (which often times will occur unconsciously because it's so natural), we are operating in a state of pure joy. We don't worry about the future, and we think nothing of the past. We are completely in the moment. This is known as our "sweet spot."
This week you are on a mission to discover your sweet spot: the thing that you love to do, that is easy for you to do, that is your natural talent. Your task is to ask everyone who knows you (or at least as many people as possible) what they think your sweet spot is. You may want to launch an internet campaign to accomplish this. Write down what each person says. See if there are similarities or themes among the responses you receive and ask yourself if their assessment resonates for you. Were you surprised by what you heard? Did some of the feedback illuminate some of your natural talents? What do you think your sweet spot is? Are they right or is there something else that lights you up that they might not know about? Where do you currently apply your sweet spot? Where can it be applied more? It is an important discovery. When we focus on our sweet spot, we are focusing on doing something that brings us incredible happiness and joy because it is intrinsically what we love.
Suggestion: Send an e-mail to your closest friends and family members. Ask them what they think is your unique ability. Be sure to send this to lots of people as some will respond more quickly than others. Here is a sample of what the e- mail might say:
"Hi. I have a favor to ask you. I'm completing an exercise that seeks to pinpoint what my unique ability is. I'm exploring my unique abilities, and I'm looking for your help. I value your opinion so I wonder if you could think about the following question and get back to me within 24 hours: What do you see as my unique ability? This would include my talents and abilities, characteristics that describe me, how I do things that produce positive results, what I'm good at and passionate about, what you can count on me for, and any other distinguishing characteristics. Thanks so much for your time and getting back to me quickly."
This was a very hard assignment for me! The idea of asking my friends and loved ones what my unique ability is makes me very uncomfortable for some reason. I can't pinpoint it, my immediate response was "Oh, I don't want to bother them" but I don't think that's the truth.
Know what? I'm not going to think about it, I'm just going to go ahead and do it, with a few trusted people.
Update:
I got my first response and it brightened my day! My friend Olisa says:
"This is so cool!
I'd say that you have incredible energy and drive. I'm amazed at your
ability to tackle complex knitting and creative projects and finish
them. You set a goal to get in shape and you did it. You are also very
good at juggling complicated cultural issues and demands. You live in
a completely bi-cultural environment and you seem comfortable in both
worlds. You are passionate about your clients' needs and taking care
of vulnerable people. You are the fastest speaker I have ever known
(sometimes I have a troulbe understanding) and I'm from NYC!
Sorry I can't go on more... I'm at work and it is superbusy! I'm happy
to share more if you'd like!
xoxo, O"
I figured out what scared me about this activity -- it reminds me of doing a trust fall -- you know, those team building exercises where you fall backwards and trust people will catch you? It's like that. And one person has caught me, which makes me believe others will as well!
All of us have a unique ability; something, that when executed, life seems to flow with effortless ease. When we're performing this unique ability (which often times will occur unconsciously because it's so natural), we are operating in a state of pure joy. We don't worry about the future, and we think nothing of the past. We are completely in the moment. This is known as our "sweet spot."
This week you are on a mission to discover your sweet spot: the thing that you love to do, that is easy for you to do, that is your natural talent. Your task is to ask everyone who knows you (or at least as many people as possible) what they think your sweet spot is. You may want to launch an internet campaign to accomplish this. Write down what each person says. See if there are similarities or themes among the responses you receive and ask yourself if their assessment resonates for you. Were you surprised by what you heard? Did some of the feedback illuminate some of your natural talents? What do you think your sweet spot is? Are they right or is there something else that lights you up that they might not know about? Where do you currently apply your sweet spot? Where can it be applied more? It is an important discovery. When we focus on our sweet spot, we are focusing on doing something that brings us incredible happiness and joy because it is intrinsically what we love.
Suggestion: Send an e-mail to your closest friends and family members. Ask them what they think is your unique ability. Be sure to send this to lots of people as some will respond more quickly than others. Here is a sample of what the e- mail might say:
"Hi. I have a favor to ask you. I'm completing an exercise that seeks to pinpoint what my unique ability is. I'm exploring my unique abilities, and I'm looking for your help. I value your opinion so I wonder if you could think about the following question and get back to me within 24 hours: What do you see as my unique ability? This would include my talents and abilities, characteristics that describe me, how I do things that produce positive results, what I'm good at and passionate about, what you can count on me for, and any other distinguishing characteristics. Thanks so much for your time and getting back to me quickly."
This was a very hard assignment for me! The idea of asking my friends and loved ones what my unique ability is makes me very uncomfortable for some reason. I can't pinpoint it, my immediate response was "Oh, I don't want to bother them" but I don't think that's the truth.
Know what? I'm not going to think about it, I'm just going to go ahead and do it, with a few trusted people.
Update:
I got my first response and it brightened my day! My friend Olisa says:
"This is so cool!
I'd say that you have incredible energy and drive. I'm amazed at your
ability to tackle complex knitting and creative projects and finish
them. You set a goal to get in shape and you did it. You are also very
good at juggling complicated cultural issues and demands. You live in
a completely bi-cultural environment and you seem comfortable in both
worlds. You are passionate about your clients' needs and taking care
of vulnerable people. You are the fastest speaker I have ever known
(sometimes I have a troulbe understanding) and I'm from NYC!
Sorry I can't go on more... I'm at work and it is superbusy! I'm happy
to share more if you'd like!
xoxo, O"
I figured out what scared me about this activity -- it reminds me of doing a trust fall -- you know, those team building exercises where you fall backwards and trust people will catch you? It's like that. And one person has caught me, which makes me believe others will as well!