The Singing Pig

"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and it annoys the pig." -- Folk saying

Well well, some consolation last night on the football :-). A busy day, with much discussion about future contracts and career options. As well as some exciting possibilities on the writing front, with some incredible stories waiting to be told.

I think today's quotation is a little piece of pure wisdom that could save so much frustration and resentment. Everyone has their features, some may be transient, others are hardcoded. Those that are hardcoded form part of what is called the personality, which research indicates doesn't change much with time. In fact, part of what shapes the personality, are signature themes - these are the seeds of talent within the person, the tendencies that they have. Ultimately, these point towards the person's gift, but that will be attained only if these signature themes are developed and expressed positively. Another contributing factor to the personality are experiences, which lead to beliefs and consequently ways of being.

Because of our unique brain wiring, there are some things that we are or can be exceptional in, and there are some things that we will never really excel at (understatement). By things, I do not necessarily mean tasks but rather specific traits. I, for example, would not describe myself as a DIY expert (understatement) - I don't instinctively know how to assemble a piece of furniture, or resolve an engine problem in my car; I don't just figure those sorts of things out, as do many people that I know. Two of my signature themes (http://www.strengthsfinder.com), however, are Intellect and Learner, so I now always ensure that I have some instructions to hand. Armed with those, I can perform the most complex DIY task.
So I haven't really changed (I can't really sing), but I can achieve my objectives by using what I have and am. It would be futile to try to make me an instinctive DIY expert; and indeed I might find it irritating.

I guess that's the key. To use your strengths to overcome your weaknesses in achieving particular objectives. And to remember not to try to change people; rather try to help them bring out their strengths.

"You can't turn a pumpkin into a tomato" - Dina West