Three Things You’re Good At
Last week, we were all very brave and opened up about Things We Suck At. If you haven’t checked out the comments, I seriously recommend it—I had a blast reading everyone’s dirty secrets. It’s good to remember that everyone’s got faults, and what we consider our weak points are often things no one else notices.
Today, it’s time to turn the tables. We’ve admitted that we’re not perfect, but I’m willing to bet that we’re all pretty good at a few things (or lots of things). As we head into another summer weekend, drop in the comments and let me know three things you’re good at.
As for me, I’m good at:
- Getting along with a wide range of people
- Walking in heels
- Bargain shopping
So, what’s your story? Please skip over to the comments and share your skills!
July 25th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham is a good book I read a few months ago.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:26 am
All too often we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can so I really liked your idea for this post, Sara.
Here are my three things:
Seeing the funny side of things
Making pizza
Training dogs
Sharon J x
July 25th, 2008 at 6:38 am
1. Laughing at myself
2. Cooking
3. Being lazy
July 25th, 2008 at 7:19 am
lol…. I love Emily’s #3. I wish I were better at that!
I’m good at this:
1. making the perfect brew of coffee
2. music
3. finding the practical ways to get dreams into reality
July 25th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Procrastinating . . . I’ll get around to the other two later.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Must be a british thing but I do find it hard to say I am good at anything! lol!
Guess it would have to be
1) smiling (known as smiler at our MS centre)
2) making cookies
3) eating cookies! (a little too good at this one!:)
July 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
This is shaping into a great list already! Thanks to everyone who’s participated so far!
@Shamelle: Thanks for the recommendation!
@Sharon: I’m glad you enjoyed the subject. Training dogs takes so much inner strength and consistency; I’m impressed.
@Emily: There’s something to be said for a woman who can happily be lazy and laugh at herself. You are such a kick!
@Sarah: Turning dreams into reality–that’s a fantastic thing to be good at!
@Traciatum: Best. Answer. That was spit-take worthy.
@Catz: Mmmm… Eating cookies. Maybe we should have a cookie eating contest and put our talents to the test! (Drool.)
July 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I’m good at: analyzing large amounts of information; giving speeches and presentations; and coming up with new ideas.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:46 am
1. Working with kids (even middle-schoolers for a period of time)
2. Organizing things and people
3. Letting the laundry pile up!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
1. cooking vegetarian food
2. making coffee
3. driving a stick shift.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I do get along with everyone, at least I feel I can get along with everyone.
Making People Laugh
Planning dinner parties
July 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Oh, Goodie! Stuff we rock at! Okay, here’s mine:
1. Debate - I love to debate, be it politics, religion, anything. I love to argue and I’m really good at it. No one likes to argue with me, though. I haven’t figured out why.
2. Walking in heels - Yeah, I stole yours… but its true nonetheless. Where did I pick up such a talent? Oh, sweetie, you don’t want to know.
3. Fixing Computers - I’m a binary thinker and usually rather logical. Black and White, On and Off, 1s and 0s. I understand how a computer thinks, and as such I tend to work with them really well.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Another list? Yay!
1) Working with numbers - I don’t know why, but they’ve always made sense to me.
2) Comforting people - Even when people act like nothing’s wrong, I always seem to figure it out anyway and I’ve gotten fairly good at listening to and helping with problems.
3) Getting lost - Even with a map and a local in the seat next to me giving directions I have a knack for finding myself in the most impossible places … in any city! It’s amazing the quirky restaurants you can find when you’re utterly lost, though
July 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I’m *GREAT* at:
-getting people to relax and feel comfortable
-baking, cooking and growing food
-getting the Daily DIY out. It used to take me all day, two weeks in I’m down to only a few hours!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I’ll say one… I’m good at being a mom!
July 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Hah! There’s something wrong with me! It’s so easy to come up with things that I suck at, but so hard to come up with things that I’m great at. I spend so much time focusing on improving myself, achieving this or that goal, and I think that I am good at millions of things, but good is not enough, it’s not GREAT, right?
So, after some thought:
1) I’m great at being a sister to my little sister
2) I’m great at being a daughter
3) I’m great at dreaming about future and the impossible
July 25th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Great idea Sara,
1) Cooking
2) Faux painting
3) Helping others/being a friend
My husband says I’m a good wife too.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Walking in heels. OH good for you!!!
My turn, eh?
1. being able to process and filter information and get to the real point quickly
2. singing..even outside of the shower
3. being sassy
@Eric…you are going to leave the heel thing at that? Cruel, cruel you!
July 25th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I just had to say that “Traciatum’s” comment was AWESOME!!! LOL.
As for me..hmm…3 things I’m good at? Well, I’m creative and I work well with others… I can’t really think of what else to say (which scares me. I should have a answer. Could you imagine if this were an interview?).
July 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
3 Things I am good at
1. Organizing anything that needs organized
2. Listening to People,and making them feel comfortable and appreciated for who they are.
3. Eating Chocolate
July 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
1. wing chun Kung Fu
2. Basketball
3. Physical training
Honorable mention:
Reading blogs
July 25th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Marelisa: Public speaking is an awesome thing to be good at! You rock.
Katie: Good with middle schoolers? You deserve some kind of medal. Or laundry service.
NeimanMarxist: I still don’t know how to drive a stick. That’s a great skill to have!
Natural: You must throw awesome parties, especially if you’re great at making people laugh (and everyone who reads your blog knows that you are!).
Russ: Oooh, I love a good debate! I remember smoking a few people back in high school.
Eric: Comforting people is so valuable, and it’s pretty rare. I hope your loved ones appreciate that quality. And Amen on the getting lost. I kick ass at getting lost!
Rachel: Good for you for getting so much faster. All the more time to cook, right?
Vered: I think we’d all agree about your mom skills after reading your post at Zen Habits!
Ulyana: It can be hard to admit that we’re great at something. But the things you listed are amazing things to be great at!
Barbara: I think there’s a bunch of us right here who would agree that you’re truly great at helping people. It’s very much appreciated!
Urban Panther: You aren’t just “great” at being sassy, you’re the master!
Ribeezie: You are also great at leaving fantastically funny comments that bring a smile to my face.
Christa: Too bad “chocolate eating” isn’t an Olympic event. I would bet on you and make a killing! I’m a chocolate lover, too.
Bamboo Forest: I’m not sure what wing chun kung fu is, but I’ll do my best not to run into you in a dark alley.
July 26th, 2008 at 1:16 am
On reflection, I guess the 3 things that other people tell me I’m good at are:
1. being a supportive friend
2. experimenting with new ideas
3. never remembering the punchline to jokes
July 26th, 2008 at 4:13 am
I’m good at
1)teaching people new things (i have awesome patience)
2)laughing so hard i cry, cannot speak and can barely breathe
3)organising and efficiency
July 26th, 2008 at 8:28 am
1. Writing.
2. Drawing.
3. Making up creative stories to tell my kids.
July 26th, 2008 at 8:41 am
1-Engaging people in conversation. Meeting new people. Etc.
2-Getting stuff done!
3-Organizing. Decorating. Throwing Parties. Anything creative!
July 26th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Oh what a fun topic! Thank you Sara . . . always inspiring us . . .
1.) Getting up in front of people (to speak, dance, sing, etc.)
2.) Loving (both people and other species)
3.) Helping people save money on gas — example: http://www.diamondcutlife.org/how-to-save-money-on-gas/
July 26th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Scott: I love that you consider forgetting punchlines a skill.
And if it’s your friends who are telling you you’re supportive, then I’m sure you’re pretty fantastic at it.
Evelyn: After seeing your answers, I picture you as just a whirlwind of color and art. Looks like creativity is a huge focus of your life!
Alison: Loving may just be the absolute best thing to be great at!
July 26th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I love this.
1.) Making people laugh!
2.) Being able to enjoy silence
3.) Art, art, and more art
I’m so glad I discovered this blog. It’s basically made my weekend!
July 26th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I wish people would concentrate more on what they’re good at Sara rather than focusing in on what they suck at. Always use your strengths first and this post is a cool way to get people to do that.
Mine would be:
Making myself laugh and sometimes others too
Not taking things too seriously
Being genuinely curious about other people and wanting to know what makes them tick
July 26th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
M.E.: I’m so glad you’re enjoying blog–it’s really wonderful to hear that. And I love your #2–actually enjoying (not just tolerating) silence is a wonderfully rare thing anymore.
Tim: I love that you count curiosity as a strength–I think a lot of us forget that it’s important. I like your first point. I think the ideal plan is to admit our weaknesses (imperfections can be beautiful, after all) but focus on our strengths. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
July 26th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
1- Thinking
2- Walking
3- Design
Great topic
July 26th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hi Sara,
Came by from Liz Strauss’s Blog to Show. I saw your entry and said “Hey, I recognize that person from Blogging Without a Blog discussions!”
I’m kinda late, but I’ll play anyways since this looks fun:
1) Find creative solutions (even when one isn’t needed)
2) Engage in deep conversations
3) Being there when you need me
July 26th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I’ve got a great sense of humor
I adore people
I’m good with animals
Harmony,
Janet
July 26th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Hmm, can I participate even if I didn`t share things I suck at (since I just found this blog!)?
1. Cooking super elegant 6-course meals.
2. Writing
3. Being patient with my toddlers
July 27th, 2008 at 12:59 am
AxeCity: Walking. I’ve gotta say, I take my walking abilities for granted. My thinking abilities, too. You rock for being great at these and recognizing it!
Al: Yeah, that Bruce Lee Gravatar looks familiar! Thanks for stopping by!
Janet: What a gift to be great with animals! I love that one.
Genesis: Wow–I’m impressed. Six course dinners and toddler-level patience? And you can write? You rock!
July 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I would say I’m good at…
1. Discovering new ideas.
2. Wasting time and having fun doing it.
3. Taking hard ideas and making them simple.
Cheers,
Brad Spencer
July 27th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
[...] On Simplicity is looking at the bright side of life in Three Things You’re Good At. [...]
July 28th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Great topic! I’m a newcomer and I really enjoy it…
My three things are:
1.Fixing things (I’m good wiht my hands in general)
2.Being devoted
3.Learning fast
July 28th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Brad,
Taking hard ideas and making them simple–now that’s a talent after my own heart! I also love that you count wasting time as a skill. I get where you’re coming from.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
In no particular order, I’m good at…
3) Being contrary.
1) Cramming for tests.
2) Finding random patterns in life.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Marshall:
Ooh, being contrary–that’s a fun one! I can’t wait to be an ornery old woman.
July 29th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Three things I’m good at:
1) Problem solving and all the associated skills that go with it; analysis, information retrieval and synthesis, research and testing. I’m especially good with computer hardware and software.
2) Connection with cats. There’s been enough incidents where a hissing, spitting angry cat has crawled into my arms and purred as I pet them, that my wife calls me the cat whisperer.
3) Being able to absorb huge amounts of information, and finding what I need from it, then synthesizing answers from that. I read a CS book in 4 days and challenged the course and passed with an A. It’s been useful in many other endeavours surround my implementation of various technologies.