Do You Like Nothing, Too Much Or Just The One Thing?

These categories we can hardly choose, but it pays to know which one is ours.

Photo by Mahdi Bafande

Apathetic Talent

I have met my fair share of apathetic and talented people. It can be one of the most frustrating experiences, especially if we care for them. Do you know that person who can write like the best authors you have read without apparent effort? Isn’t it almost infuriating when they won’t enjoy writing enough to go anywhere with it? And that person who can pick up a musical instrument and master it before the day is over? Isn’t it tempting to shake them when you realise they have no interest in pursuing the craft?

Natural talent is scarce. It makes sense to become annoyed by those who received the gift and left it unopened. Yet, it is their prerogative. They didn’t ask for it. It is hard for talent to achieve much on its own, but this is a topic that has been covered endlessly. The worst part about not exploiting one’s talent is the apathy at work. There is a lack of desire that affects the individual far beyond reaching any goals. A lack of ambition might protect us from the disappointment that poor results bring, but it rarely brings a fulfilled existence. Lethargy isn’t happy even when it isn’t sad.

Scattered Passion

Then we have those who like too many things. I must raise my hand here. I am passionate about much more than I could ever focus on. It is hard to succeed even when you put all your energy into one thing, and it is almost impossible to do so when your energy is scattered. Yet, unlike apathy, passion can bring more joy than any other feeling. It is improbable to become the best in various fields, but it is feasible to become notable. When you have a passion for this and that, your passion defines you, not your present profession or future ambition. If you struggle to define yourself as a writer or a musician or an engineer or a doctor or a nurse or a businessperson, you probably are a passionate human that does many things. It will be hard to be renowned for any one of them, but happiness might originate in being able to fulfil so many of your dreams.

The Focused