The Everyday Prodigy®
A prodigy is defined as one with an inexplicable talent that develops early in life.
They are the ones who leave us speechless.
Wanting more.
Serena Williams.
Tiger Woods.
Prince.
Stevie Wonder.
We marvel at the depth of their talent.
The ease with which their gift pours out of them.
Their brilliance is unmistakable.
Starting when they are young.
Growing into their gift.
Perfecting it.
Honing it.
And owning it.
Completely.
It is an extension of who they are.
The world needs them.
It gives us hope.
Something to rally for.
Cheering as they create their masterpiece.
But what about everyone else?
The everyday warriors trying to carve out their place in the world.
To leave their mark.
I believe every person on the planet can become a prodigy.
Albeit an unconventional one.
I believe the rest of us can and should strive to become an Everyday Prodigy®.
An Everyday Prodigy?
Yes.
Let me explain.
If a prodigy is one with an inexplicable talent that develops early in life.
Then I believe an Everyday Prodigy is one with an inexplicable desire to develop their talent throughout life.
You know some of them by name.
Tom Brady.
Oprah.
Toby Keith.
Steve Jobs.
Those who took what they were given and amassed great fortune and influenced millions.
Changed our lives in so many ways.
I believe everyone on the planet was put here to contribute something that is unique unto them.
Whether you’re a teacher or a trucker.
A welder or a writer.
A salesperson or a server.
I believe there is something that you bring to your work that makes you special.
There are three truths that prodigies and Everyday Prodigies must embrace to bring their gift to life.
Everyone has some measure of talent.
It comes with the responsibility to develop it.
The more you give it away the more your capacity expands, and the gift multiplies.
Let’s look at the first truth.
Everyone has some measure of talent.
There is something within you that is unique. A gift, a talent, a skill that is special to you.
It can often be overlooked because it comes easy to you.
The easiest way to discover it is to take an inventory of yourself.
The best way to find your gift is to think about the things that you do well.
What do others seek your advice and counsel on?
What do you seem to have a knack for?
Ask yourself, what things satisfy me the most and leave me fulfilled?
Tuning into self helps to reveal the gifts we’ve been given.
It comes with the responsibility to develop it.
An undeveloped gift dies.
If you choose not to seek out your talent and develop it, you are depriving yourself of your best life.
Happiness, wealth, and fulfillment are found in becoming everything we are meant to be.
Anything less than that is unfinished work.
When you give the gift away, your capacity expands, and the gift multiplies.
The amazing thing about talent is that it grows and expands the more we give it away.
Like a well, the more water you take from it the more it produces.
Let it sit and it becomes stagnant and of no value.
If you hide your gifts, you deprive the world of the contribution that you and you alone can make.
The people around you need what you have.
And here’s the kicker.
No matter if you are born a prodigy or become an Everyday Prodigy, these truths apply equally.
Many wonderfully gifted people have lived lives of relative obscurity because they chose not to embrace the truths and responsibilities that come with their gifting.
I want to encourage you to explore and wander within yourself.
Identify your talents, gifts, and abilities.
Pour them into every facet of your life at work and at home.
We are waiting to experience your genius.
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Kevin D. Brown is a branding and culture expert. He’s an award-winning motivational speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of The Hero Effect®. Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X.