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"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 is also possible that each of these people wears the label,
"gifted adult."
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 well-meaning advisors 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 need to slow down."
"Focus on one thing at a time."
"I can't understand -- you need to focus."
"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.
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