Huh?

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 time I was kicked out of gym class (thankfully) 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 started pounded his fist one the desk to express his anger with my behavior. Sure I was scared but how could I stop talking! Sure I showed disrespect to my teacher. Fine. But I can’t deny who I am and my personality.

Neither should you!

I have the gift of gab. It’s Blessing I was given. The more I talk, the better I become at it. That is what I truly believe is the purpose in my life. To use my gift and talent to improve other people’s lives.

As a motivational speaker to a variety of audiences, my Blessing is that I have the ability and talent to successfully achieve things I never thought possible. My creativity in the topics I choose to speak about, or that are recommended to me is highly effective. I deliver a message that rings true to the entire audience. It motivates them. Gives them hope in themselves. And provides many young people with the tools they need to choose the right career, attend the right college and get the cash to pay for it all.

I didn’t realize my talking ad communicating effectively was actually a skill! Something I could apply toward my future and career.

That’s the important part because I now realize that you don’t really have to know it all. Or obtain 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’m scheduling dates now for ’10/11 year 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. It defines the rest of my professional life.

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 skills 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?

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

The Career Closet

www.keithlipke.com