"James is so restless and energetic. I wonder if he's hyperactive."
"Nancy seems to be all over the place. She's got a dozen projects going at once!"
"Harley does things so fast! He put up a website in two weeks."
"Marlene is so intense. She needs to lighten up."
While it's possible that James is hyperactive, Nancy is scattered, Harley skates on
thin ice and Marlene is depressed, it's also possible that each of these people wears
the label, "gifted adult," often unaware.
Gifted children often lose interest in school because they're bored. They don't
always get top grades because they think in unconventional patterns.
Gifted adults can be misunderstood. Those who read books like Jacobsen's The
Gifted Adult often feel relieved: "Finally, someone understands where I'm coming
from!"
Gifted adults often face unique career challenges. Job environments rarely reward
creativity, a hallmark of the gifted, and frequently punish anyone who threatens to
color outside the lines. Corporations often resemble football games, where players
are rewarded for being in position to receive the ball everyone wins by executing the
coach's play. Gifted people function better when their game resembles playground
basketball, where you can scramble and make plays as you go.
And when gifted adults seek career guidance, they must filter feedback they receive
from friends and consultants who are not familiar with their situation.
* "Whoa! You're trying to be a jack-of-all trades and you'll end up a master of
none."
* "Wow! I've never seen anyone move as fast as you do. I'm sure you're going to
be a success."
* "You're going too fast! Slow down or you'll fail."
* "Focus on one thing at a time."
* "Boy, you're catching on fast! You must be well-suited to this field."
If you're gifted, you probably already have some idea that you're "different."
Read a few books and articles. Browse websites. Understanding how you operate
can help you avoid, "Why is this happening" questions and reach success on your
own terms.
About The Author
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., coaches midlife professionals for the First Inning of their
Second Career: business, retirement, new career moving, or enjoying more of what
you have.
Fr^e report: 5 Reasons Most Career Change Fails (and how to write your own
success story)
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html
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