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Michael Gardon

  • Writer's pictureMichael Gardon

Turn Hidden Talents Into Extraordinary Advantage - The Break Issue 70

Updated: Apr 24




Want to make more money, find better opportunities and enjoy life?


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#70 Talents --> Advantage


I dove headfirst into finance for one reason.


Money.


As a 20 year old I simply neglected who I was, and looked to go to the place I could make a lot of money.


How ignorant.


I ignored my real talents.


Despite natural skills in writing, speaking, and presenting, I chose the expected path.


Here’s the truth: Our system, from college to career, often buries our genuine strengths under a pile of “shoulds.” It took me too long to listen, to unearth those dormant skills, and truly embrace them.


Why share this? Because you, too, have untapped potential, overshadowed by what you’ve been told to pursue.


Let’s challenge that. It’s time to dig deep, uncover our real talents, and redefine our paths.


The Common Struggle: Why Our Strengths Stay Hidden


In the race to “make it,” we often sprint past our strengths. It’s not just you; it’s a widespread challenge. Here’s why:


  • Societal Expectations: We’re taught to chase titles, not talents.

  • Corporate Conformity: Jobs box us in, making it hard to color outside the lines.

  • Personal Doubts: Fear whispers, “What if I’m not good enough?” blocking us from our true potential.

Caught in this cycle, our genuine talents become the best-kept secrets of our careers.


Reflection Time: Think back. What strengths have you sidelined for the sake of the safe route?


How do we start valuing our hidden talents?


The Transformation: From Skills to Strategic Advantage


Here’s where the shift happens.


It’s not just about identifying strengths or skills; it’s about understanding how you create ADVANTAGE in the world.


Why? Because advantage implies not just skill, but execution—how you uniquely solve problems, innovate, and bring value unlike anyone else.


Shift Your Perspective: Think beyond “I’m good at X.” Ask yourself, “How do I turn X into a winning edge?”


That’s critical thinking. That’s a level deeper. Go there.


This is where Advantage Mapping comes into play.


Advantage Mapping 101: It’s a system I designed to help you chart your unique blend of skills, experiences, and passions to pinpoint your competitive advantage. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  1. Identify your underutilized talents.

  2. Connect these talents to real-world problems you’re passionate about solving.

  3. Leverage this intersection to carve out problems you are uniquely positioned to explore and win.

This process transforms your hidden strengths into your strategic advantage, ensuring you’re not just another player in the game but a game-changer.


Action Step: Jot down three talents or interests you’ve overlooked. Next, consider the unique advantage each could offer in your professional life or the broader market.


Transforming your perspective is just the beginning. Let’s dive into making this advantage work for you.


Actionable Steps: Leveraging Your Advantage


Now, let’s transform insight into action. Here’s how to make your newly discovered advantage work wonders for you:


1. Inventory your advantages: These are any and all areas where you do things better than others. Don’t forget the topics you are naturally curious about, or things you do regularly that others struggle with.


2. Define Your Circle of Competence: Use your advantage to carve out a specific space where your talents shine brightest. Think: What problems can I solve better than anyone else?


3. Expand with High Odds Skills: Pinpoint any gaps in your knowledge or skill set that, once filled, will make your advantage even more formidable.


4. Experiment and Iterate: Apply your advantage in small, real-world tests. Learn from each attempt to sharpen your edge further.


Remember: Leveraging your advantage isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous journey of growth, adaptation, and strategic action.

Start small, think big, and take the first step today.


If you're nodding along, and this all makes sense, I'd love to see you as a member of ​The Break Community​. If you're looking for more control and alignment in your life, instead of being blown which ever way the wind blows, join today and let's become UNBREAKABLE.


Wishing you boldness and clarity on your journey,


Mike



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Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:


1. Join the ​Community​, or ​apply for coaching​ with me!

2. Get in the conversation on Linkedin. Messages are open - anyone can say hi here.

3. Promote your brand/business to 14k+ subscribers by sponsoring our newsletter contact partners@rejoinmedia.com (Booked out 4 weeks)


Resources To Make Your BREAK


  • Curated Job Board: I teamed up with Pallet to create a tech focused, remote first board. I’d love it if you joined 20+ followers. Maybe, just maybe you’ll find your next big opportunity here.

  • Career Quiz: Take the Advantage Mapping step of learning how you're wired and for what roles!

  • Recommended Reading: My list of must reads to BREAK your view of the world and what's possible for you.

  • Side Hustle Database: Over 200+ ideas to bring out your creative side as you explore your path. Maybe it will end up being your BREAK!


The Latest Conversation on THE BREAK Pod


Welcome, everyone, to another episode of The Break podcast, where we delve into the depths of resilience, flexibility, and overcoming life's obstacles. I'm your host, Mike, and today's conversation promises to be nothing short of enlightening.


Today, we're exploring a topic that resonates with each and every one of us - setbacks. Life's unexpected twists and turns can knock us off course, but it's how we respond to these challenges that defines our journey forward.


You know, we often envision our paths as linear journeys, guided by societal norms and expectations. But what happens when life throws us off course? That's where our resilience truly shines. And today, we have a special treat for you - a glimpse into the world of setbacks and how they can propel us forward.


Our guest has authored a captivating book titled "​The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward​." Through her extensive journalism career, she's discovered a common thread among leaders and founders - the ability to rise from setbacks with renewed vigor.


So, what exactly is a setback? It's not just a bump in the road; it's a reversal of progress, a check on our journey forward. But it's within these setbacks that we find the fuel for growth, the resilience to navigate life's twists and turns.


Today, we'll explore the concept of setbacks with our guest, delving into the neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories that illuminate the setback cycle. From the squiggly, misshapen S of our journeys to the realization that success isn't always a linear path, we'll uncover the secrets to becoming unbreakable in the face of adversity.


So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Because after today's conversation, you'll see setbacks not as obstacles, but as stepping stones toward a brighter, more resilient future.


If you want to connect with our guest, Amy Shoenthal, you can find her on ​Instagram​ and ​LinkedIn.​




You made it to the end! Hopefully you learned something about breaking your career today! If so, please share this with someone you care about.


P.S. What did you think of today's email? Click one of the ratings below to send us your feedback. We'd love to know what you think!


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ​This was super helpful!​

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