Hydrogen and oxygen are distinctly different elements, but sometimes they combine to form water. Something similar is true for motivation and talent.
Motivation is the desire to do something. Talent is what you do well naturally. They can exist independently, but when they combine, they create something special. They create motivated talents.
People often are naturally good at something (talented), but it just doesnít turn them on. For example, Heather is good with numbers, but she doesnít go out of her way to find tasks calling for that talent. Most people have such talents. But then there are those talents that we really enjoy using. These are the motivated talents, and this is where the magic is.
We use motivated talents every chance we get. Most of the time we donít even think about it. For example, Larry has a motivated talent for conversation, and he naturally engages both friends and strangers in dialog. He doesnít consciously determine to do so; it just happens. Itís natural and unforced. He enjoys it, and heís good at it. Thatís the hallmark of a motivated talent.
Motivated talents tend to be irrepressible. They find expression. In fact, if youíve ever tried to stifle a motivated talent (either yours or someone elseís) it probably felt like you were trying to hold two dozen ping pong balls under water at the same time. Motivated talents pop out, even if no one else is asking for them. And doesnít that make sense? After all, itís what we do well AND enjoy.
Well then, wouldnít the ideal job be one where you can use your motivated talents daily and get paid for it? Absolutely! But more on that later.
What are your motivated talents? Shouldnít your boss know? You can let him/her know by giving them a copy of you own career assessment.
Get a job you love and never work a day in your life.
