David Machajewski - Talents and Abilities: Recognizing Strengths

Published in 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. 29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Editor: Rachel Gintner

Designer: Michael Flynn

Photo Credits: Cover AnaWhite/Shutterstock.com; cover, pp. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 1214, 16, 1820, 2224 (background) TairA/Shutterstock.com; p. 5 Fuse/Corbis/Getty Images; p. 7 Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Getty Images; p. 9 AVAVA/ Shutterstock.com; p. 11 Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images; p. 12 Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com; p. 13 MichaelJayBerlin/Shutterstock.com; p. 15 ImageFlow/Shutterstock.com; p. 16 Digital Media Pro/Shutterstock. com; p. 17 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Amadeus_Mozart#/media/File:Wolfgang-amadeus-mozart_1.jpg; p. 18 Chris Ware/Hulton Archive/Getty Images; p. 19 Christian Jung/Shutterstock.com; p. 21 Mischa Keijser/Cultura/ Getty Images; p. 22 YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock.com.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Machajewski, David.

Title: Talents and abilities: recognizing strengths / David Machajewski.

Description: New York : PowerKids Press, 2020. | Series: Spotlight on social and emotional learning | Includes glossary and index.

Identifiers: ISBN 9781725302099 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781725302280 (library bound) | ISBN 9781725302198 (6pack)

Subjects: LCSH: Self-realization--Juvenile literature. | Self-actualization (Psychology) in adolescence--Juvenile literature. | Self-esteem--Juvenile literature. | Identity (Psychology)--Juvenile literature. Classification: LCC BF637.S4 M33 2020 | DDC 158.1--dc23

Manufactured in the United States of America

CPSIA Compliance Information: Batch #CSPK19.For further information contact Rosen Publishing, New York, New York at 1-800-237-9932.

CHAPTER one

YOUVE GOT TALENT!

Have you ever heard someone ask the question, What gets you out of bed in the morning? People use this phrase, or saying, to find out what inspires others to do their best every day. The way a person answers this question may tell you something about their talents and strengthsthe special qualities that can contribute to someones personality and help them place their mark on the world.

Every person, no matter how young or old, has unique talents and strengths. These features often make us feel proud, happy, or satisfied to be who we are.

If your unique talents and strengths arent clear to you right now, theres no need to worry. Finding and appreciating your talents takes time and patience. Approaching these qualities with curiosity is a good way to begin. So lets get started!

Its fun to greet the day with your talents and strengths in mind!

CHAPTER two

MANY WAYS TO BE TALENTED

During talent shows, performers bravely show off their talents in front of others. Some tell jokes while others play music. You might see dances, magic tricks, science experiments, or other unique performances.

Talent shows teach an important lessontheres no right way to be talented. Although some talent shows are contests, talents can be valuable just by offering enjoyment to yourself and others.

For example, talents can help you decide which hobbies you like. Having hobbies can build selfconfidence and can also help you make friends with like-minded people. Talents also can help you give back to others. If you have a talent for gardening, for instance, you might offer to help your neighbors with their yard work. In this case, you would be helping people while honing your talenta win-win situation!

Ask your friends or family members if theyve ever been to a talent show. You might be surprised to learn about the unique performances theyve seen!

CHAPTER three

YOUR SPECIAL TALENTS

Lets talk about your talents. Identifying your own talents can feel intimidating, especially if youve never thought about them before. But you have plenty of time to try different things on for size. While certain skills come easier to some people compared to others, remember that your talents can be built up over time.

One way to identify your talents is to think about your passions. Being passionate about something means that you love or care about doing it. Your passions are like constant companionstheyre specific things that keep your mind and body interested.

If youre unsure of your talents, ask yourself, How do I like to spend my time? or Are there certain activities I love to do more than anything else? The answers to these questions will help you identify your passions and, often, your talents.

We use mirrors to look at our outside appearance. Our passions and talents arent often as easily seen as our appearance, but they still form a big part of who we are.

CHAPTER four

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STRENGTHS

Your strengths are a mixture of knowledge and skills that help you succeed. Theyre the building blocks that help make up who you are.

1. Recognize excitement.Choose your goal. Make sure its something you want to do. That will help you stay interested.

2. Try new things.You have lots of strengths that are waiting to be found. Trying new things helps uncover these unknown strengths.

3. Notice what comes naturally.If a certain activity is intuitive for you but challenging for others, that means you have natural strength in that area.

4. Ask loved ones. If youre still stumped, ask your friends or family about the strengths they see in you. Learning the opinions of others will provide new information about your strengths.

Friends are a great source of inspiration when youre learning about your strengths and talents.

CHAPTER five

WEAKNESSES: PART OF US ALL

When something feels challenging, it can cause feelings of discomfort and even anger. When you struggle, remember that youre not alone. Just as every person has strengths, we all also have weaknesses. Weaknesses are the opposite of strengths, which means they can make certain activities feel challenging.

Serena Williams is a famous athlete and tennis player who practices her sport a lot. When you play a sport, its important to know your strengths and weaknesses so that youre better prepared while playing.