You're Not Going to Be Good at Everything and That's Okay -- The Value of Emotional Intelligence

I once asked by an exasperated supervisor if I was “sent by the enemy,” when I failed to grasp the system in place at the homeless shelter he ran. Being moved by rousing political speeches and fascinated by foreign policy didn’t mean I was cut out for politics. And you can bet the cost of a ballpark beer I’ll never hit a baseball out Yankee Stadium. Today I’m okay with those realities, while just a few years ago any talk of limitations would have simply compelled me to work harder. 

Now, I choose to focus on my strengths, while learning the skills needed to grow both personally and professionally. As a result, my efforts have become more deliberate and focused. I've learned to leverage my strengths while becoming a shrewd judge of my shortcomings. Both have proved indispensable as I try to grow my speaking and writing practice.