I had a 30 second, in passing, informal discussion with two of my coworkers today about the talents that some people are blessed with. It got me to thinking about how diverse humanity is as a whole, and how different every one of us are. Some people are blessed with incredible athleticism, others are blessed with amazing good looks, and some are blessed with the gift of music. There are so many possible combinations, it's really a testament to how different we all are.
However, with these gifts come inefficiencies and weaknesses. I think that while it's important to recognize and possibly capitalize on one's talents, it's just as important to realize when you're not gifted in certain areas and stay away from those areas.
I do a few things well. The top three things I believe I'm above average at are as follows:
1. Communication, all forms. Written/Oral/Dirty Looks/Stink Eye/Morse Code
2. Ping Pong (Wanna play? Pack a damn lunch, it'll be a long day for you.)
3. Betting College Football. I win more than I lose, which is more than probably 85% of the betting public can say.
This blog post is brought on by a bit of frustration, but also it serves as a public service announcement for those of who who feel the need to convey your faux prowess at pretty much anything, just to be the center of fucking attention. It's annoying, pathetic, and worst of all, self destructive.
For instance, if you're really not adept at interacting with people with small talk in the workplace, just keep it short and professional, and work on cultivating relationships that actually matter. I'd never blatantly tell someone, "Hey, you're really shitty at talking with people", just because someone sucks at communicating, because I wouldn't want an accomplished artist making fun of me doodling in boredom. Not that I'd compare my communications skills to a Banksy, but you get what I'm saying.
Here's a perfect example:
Person 1: Wow, you guys are really fast!
Idiot: Yeah, we're pretty organized.
Person 1: Well I've got everything ready for you, so this should be quick. It makes a difference when everyone's got their ducks in a row.
Idiot: Well,...that's kinda the pot calling the kettle black.
Person 1: "Uh....o.......k?"
I guess it comes down to just being you. Don't try to be someone else. When you do, you look silly. A few years ago when my brother was in the service, I went to visit him in Mississippi. I was a fish out of water, but for 4 days, I tried to change to accomodate everyone I was spending time with, including my brother. I realized after a while that I wasn't having fun, I wasn't comfortable, and worst of all, people saw right through the bullshit. Just be real.
I know this might be a weak blog entry, and maybe it's not laced with comedy as much as some would like, but I have zero followers at this point, so all zero of you can kiss my ass. This blog is for me at this point, and being able to get these thoughts out of my mind and out into some kind of "open", it delays the inevitable incident of me blowing my lid by maybe a few weeks.
Be real. It's worth it. You feel better, and people will respect you more. Peace!
