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Winning
With Your Strengths
If you're unhappy in your job, should you change your job? Should you find
a career that matches your abilities and interests? Here's how concentrating on your
talents can help you find happiness and success.
by Jerold Aust
Jake had always wanted to play college
basketball. But he soon discovered that "there were better ball players selling popcorn
and Cokes in the stands than some of us down on the basketball court. Once I figured
that out, I readjusted the focus on my future."
Meet Jake. In 1956, at age 18, he excelled in high-school basketball. He averaged
30 points a game during his last two years of high school and was recruited by large
and small universities. Jake was unusual in that he was only 6 feet tall but played
center on his team. Fans got excited watching him play because he showed good timing,
was quick, often outwitted his taller opponents and possessed an accurate soft jump
shot.
He stood out in high-school basketball, but in college he found himself outclassed.
College freshmen trying out for the teams needed height and superior ball handling.
Jake soon rethought his future in athletics.
He loved the game, but he couldn't realize his dream of playing college basketball,
so what could he do? He did the smart thing and studied to become a basketball coach.
Jake focused on something he could excel at, and success followed him.
There is more to Jake's story.
Well-meaning Advisers
No matter who or what you are, somebody will be quick to advise you on your life's
choices. Some unsolicited advice may be helpful, but much will not. A well-meaning
mother wants her daughter to do what she never could. The well-meaning father expects
his son to take over the family business.
Sometimes daughters and sons do follow in their mothers' and fathers' footsteps and
are perfectly happy and successful. But this is not always the case.
Advice is cheap, and it flows freely from family and friends. Some people have spent
years following a particular professional path but wish they could start all over
again down a different one. Does it do any good to regret the paths not taken, the
opportunities lost?
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