Think of a toolbox. A very sophisticated one. It has all sorts of tools including but not limited to variety of screw drivers, variety of spanners, variety of hammers etc. You always carry it along with you just in case you need to use some of the tools. One day, you face a problem that seems like it could be solved using one of the tools in your toolbox. But you are not able to find out which one. After a few minutes of trying one tool after the other, you finally find something that might help. You fiddle around with that tool for a few more minutes. Not helpful yet.

Right then, one of your friend comes by and smiles looking at the scene. In a matter of less than a minute, your friend picks up another tool and fixes the problem right there.

You look at your friend with amazement and wonder why you didn’t figure that out even after trying for a few hours.

You and I both carry our own toolbox inside our head. It’s generally called the “untapped potential.” Something we all have at our disposal. But.. having untapped potential is not the same as being able to use it at will. When the rubber meets the road, things get complex.

If you are not good at something, you are not going to become good at it overnight. The toolbox needs to be unpacked often and the tools need to USED to keep your skills sharp.

If you want to be a good writer, you need to write often.

If you want to be a good dancer, you need to dance often.

If you want to be a good chess player, you need to play chess more often.

If you want to be a good painter, you need to paint often.

if you want to be a good presenter, you need to present often.

Look at your own toolbox and pick the tools that you are fascinated about. Unpack the toolbox often, use the tools and you will be ready when you really need to use them.

Good luck!

Photo Courtesy thespeedphreak on Flickr