Which one is it?

I choose all of it…and here’s why.

I like to talk. I love it. When I was younger I used to get in so much trouble for talking. Never anything bad, just not shutting up. I’d get sent in the hallways, sit there for the hour. What’s funny is that every time I was in the hall and a faculty member walked past, they would ask “talking again Keith?”

I even remember this one time I was kicked out of gym class (thank God) for telling a joke to this girl. Well, I was sent to the office and the Vice Principal, sat at his desk and as he was explaining my inappropriate behavior for talking while my teacher was talking…he sarted pounding his fist with a paddle with holes in it. It scared the crap out of me…I mean almost literally. Not something we see or experience now is it?

The gift of gab…so to speak.

I love it.

But I didn’t know how important this skill was until about 4 years ago. I’ll explain in a minute.

Well, I never in a million years realized that my blessed skill of the tongue. I was in sales and remember all conversations and meetings I had with my colleagues and customers. Most of my success was led to my ability to communicate with so many different people with different attitudes and agendas.

Well I was able to avoid that by my ability to communicate effectively. Effectively in a way that I always consider every word as a thought. I don’t think I’m a good writer. In fact, I’m not. You might see this, but I do have a visual look at what I want to communicate and shape my message.

That’s the important part because I now realize that you don’t really have to know it all. Or attain all the skills necessary for a particular job or career. I’m a public speaker and love what I do. I love visit colleges, business and high schools providing presentations, workshops and general speeches about personal and professional development. I love carrying a message and using my strong effective public speaking skills.

But I’m good at it because I’ve done it so much and am now just getting even better. Try me: www.keithlipke.com. I’ scheduling dates now at thehopechest@keithlipke.com.

Sure, many careers out there require certain skills and talents. you learn those in college as part of your curriculum.

But, think about YOU. What are you good at? Think about all those things you do really well. If you like Math, chances are you are pretty good with numbers, and solving problems.

Expand your thoughts about your skills and see what people say about you, or maybe certain awards or involvement that you are in, you really excel.

Every one is good at something. You just have to figure out what it is. I can help, but can’t give you the answer.

But here’s the key…

Finding what you are good at, and then realizing your talents…is a craft. It’s a process and method in which you realize that you can do a bunch of different jobs and envelope yourself in a career that fits you.

A career that fits you is actually a career that you like!

Think about those that are miserable in their job. Why is that? Chances are because there is something in that job or career and they are at this fork-in-the-road and really second guessing where they are professionally.

It might be an interest or stress, or something they just like about that job. Many people find that they just don’t have the skills or talents they thought they had when starting that job.

Don’t be in that position when you are working. You should already know some things that you are skilled at upon your career or degree choice.

When I started as a college rep I didn’t even know what the school was that I was applying for. when I went on my first interview for this job, all that was truly required was for each of us (candidates for the job) to give a two to four-minute speech, impromptu. Of course I did very well, because I was granted a second interview and then offered the job.

But, it was my gift of the gab that essentially got me the job. My ability to communicate effectively, energetically and inspirational is a blessing I received from God, and I intend to lead my life with it.

I intend to become better and better and better so that I can be considered even more of an expert in career choice, personal development and general educational consulting for young people. Some formal training I receive through my job, research and as a Toastmaster helps me certainly with my extensive public speaking experience.

But it’s the one skill that i have that as lead me to this point in my life. I started as a sales rep in pharmaceuticals, but ended up in higher education. How does that happen? It’s life you guys.

Like I profess about your passions. You must find your skill set and talents that you have. Get help. Think deep down inside to what you are truly good at.

Then, become better at it. Become the best. Be one of those experts that provides insight, advice or commentary on TV or radio talk shows. Find your skills and talents ad once you become better at it, you become an expert.

Try it.

Focus on you and think about what you are good at and how it can be applied to different jobs. You have about 45-50 years to work before you retire (early). Wouldn’t you want to enjoy what you are doing most of that time?

You’re good, and you know it,

Keith Lipke, The Hope Chest

www.keithlipke.com