Clues to Your Unique Giftedness – Finding Fulfilment

By Maria King, Adult Guidance Counsellor.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”― Howard Thurman

Discovering Your Unique Giftedness: Recognizing the Clues Within

Noticing the peaceful joy, I felt, after completing my first creative groupwork morning with adult education students, many years ago, I said to a trusted colleague – “This feels like the most meaningful work I have ever done.” The deep fulfilment I get from creative facilitation has only expanded for me since. 

Our bodies know. We only have to tune in.

“It’s the most exhilarated I’ve ever felt,” says Lulu Wang, now a Writer/ Film Director, about her realization, while developing her photographs in the university dark room, of her love of making her own discoveries. She was inspired to redirect a long expected career path. You can hear Lulu’s story in the episode, entitled “Release the expectations that limit you,” of the exquisite podcast, “Meditative Story.” 

“You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves”, from Mary Oliver’s poem, “Wild Geese.”

Think for a moment of the dress designer, who, before the bride speaks, guesses accurately the design she will ask for; the carpenter who, without you saying a word, is nodding and already sketching out something, as if he has read your mind about the storage wonders you hope to fit into your small office; the teachers who know and encourage future writers, before the writers themselves are trusting their gifts; the nurse whose hunch, on observing the patient’s appearance and demeanour, matches the eventual diagnosis; the jockeys who know the exact moment to urge their horses forward for a winning sprint.

Then hear the words of William Stafford (“Crossing Unmarked Snow”, 1998): “Things you know before you hear them, those are you, those are why you are in the world.”

I agree with Stafford. This intriguing line sums up for me a quality of knowing that provides a reliable clue to our giftedness. 

Each of us has giftedness that makes us exceptionally competent in particular areas. Even more exciting is that this giftedness is unique to each of us. No one before or after us can match precisely the way our giftedness intermingles with our unique perspective, interests and influences. 

How Career Guidance Can Help You Uncover Your True Potential

How can a career guidance counsellor help you articulate the areas in which you have instinctive knowing? In my experience, it is by careful listening.  Our wise minds and bodies are revealing, in every moment, multiple, if often, subtle clues.

As you respond to questions, for example, about your interests and work and education history, the words you are using, the changes in your energy and your movements are communicating what makes you come alive and what drains you. 

Tears can be an especially valuable indicator. Very often, just at the point that you are about to verbalize something that has deep meaning for you, your eyes tear, even before your words form. It seems as if your tears might be saying “Take note! What you are about to hear is especially important!” Like following a gold dust trail to treasure, the Career Guidance Counsellor will offer new questions, at these junctures, to follow the direction your instinct is indicating.

As you hear yourself conclude what it is you most love to do, your shoulders drop, your face becomes peaceful. There is a sense of expansion and unquestioned knowing. Eyes are alight. At this point, the Career Guidance Counsellor is privileged to witness your peaceful joy. Your confidence is boosted in the realization that you knew, all along. You simply needed to be guided in hearing yourself. 

The self-reflection you do, in advance, will help you get the most from your career guidance appointment. So, get noticing! What are you doing when time is passing unnoticed, when you are feeling calm contentment, when your breath is stopped in awe and excitement? Start keeping a note of the times and places when you feel energised, curious and alive. Gather those clues, your path is waiting for you!

“You’ve always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.” Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, to Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz, film, 1939).

How can I recognize my unique giftedness?
Your unique giftedness often reveals itself through moments of deep joy, ease, and instinctive knowing. Pay attention to activities where time flies, where you feel naturally skilled, or when others appreciate your ability to see or do something in a special way.

Why is it important to align my work with my natural talents?
When your work aligns with your giftedness, it feels fulfilling and meaningful rather than draining. This alignment increases motivation, creativity, and overall well-being, making success more sustainable and enjoyable.

How can career guidance help me discover my natural strengths?
A career guidance counsellor listens carefully to your words, body language, and emotional responses. They help you identify patterns in your interests and experiences, guiding you to recognize and articulate what truly makes you come alive.

What role do emotions play in uncovering my unique talents?
Emotions, especially moments of excitement, deep focus, or even unexpected tears, can be strong indicators of what truly matters to you. They signal passion and purpose, helping you uncover areas where your giftedness naturally shines.

What practical steps can I take to discover and develop my giftedness?
Start by self-reflecting on moments of joy and natural ease. Keep a journal to note activities that energize you, and seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors. Experiment with different opportunities to see where your gifts thrive, and consider career counselling for deeper insights.

How does neurodiversity influence unique giftedness?
Neurodivergent individuals (such as those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia) often have unique strengths, such as heightened creativity, deep focus, or innovative problem-solving. Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity can help individuals find fulfilling paths that align with their natural ways of thinking and working.

What if my unique talents don’t fit into a traditional career path?
Not all giftedness aligns with conventional job roles. Many people create their own careers by blending multiple passions, pursuing entrepreneurship, or engaging in side projects that bring fulfillment. The key is to design a life that allows you to express your unique strengths.