10 Things That Require Zero Talent Part 2

One of our highest ranking blogs is 10 Things That Require Zero Talent. It’s been about a year since that blog, and I’d like to add 10 more behaviors that we can control that require zero talent yet have a huge impact on our success.

1. Curiosity – Curiosity is the key to discovering new habits, new likes (or dislikes) and new information. Whether it’s an innate or a learned trait, when you are curious, you are mentally engaged, which will help you be a lifelong learner.
2. Confidentiality – Being trusted with private information is important at work and at home. When someone entrusts you with information that is sensitive, keep your word.. Billie Jean King has said as a tennis player you are only as good as your second serve; in life, I believe you are only as good as your word.
3. Empathy – When you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand what they are going through, you really connect with that person. Empathy lets you forgive faster and connect sooner.
4. Flexibility – Having a routine and schedule is great for discipline. But when you’re unable (or unhappy) to change your routine that can cause problems. You want to plan and execute, but you should always be ready to jump to plan B if the situation calls for flexibility.
5. Honesty – This really needs no explanation. Plus I have always loved this Mark Twain quote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to rememberanything.”
6. Humility – When you check your ego at the door, you open up a world of possibilities. Just because you are in charge, no one person ever has the answers. The best leaders are humble leaders.
7. Kindness – If you’ve ever been to a Chick-fil-A, you know why they are successful. All of their associates are pleasant and kind. They have proved that kindness can be a successful differentiator.
8. Listen – Most of us are good at talking but not enough of us are good at listening. This easy skill can help us better understand people and it shows people they are important to us when we let them speak.
9. Resourcefulness – Resourcefulness is one of my favorite words. It’s important to never ask a question that you could have answered yourself.
10. Sincerity – It’s simple: say what you mean. We all have people in our lives who say “let’s have lunch” but don’t intend to do it. Be the person who is sincere, and always mean what you say.

 Your Game Changer Takeaway

The saying “Don’t rest on your laurels” is from Ancient Greece but it still holds true today. So don’t just rely on your natural abilities; work hard to develop these 10 traits and watch how rewarding these attainable characteristics can be.

The Molly Fletcher Company inspires leaders, teams and organizations to kick-start growth. A keynote speaker and author, Molly draws on her decades of experiences working as a sports agent. Her company’s virtual and live workshops teach people how to align your energy with the important so that you can achieve freedom, flow and focus. Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter and subscribe to the Game Changers with Molly Fletcher podcast on iTunes.