What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Don’t think too hard! Go with what comes to mind first.

Alright, now that you have the answer, I want to bet something:

Your initial response likely involves…

• raising your kid(s)

• overcoming a significant health challenge

• earning your academic degree(s) or certificate(s)

• a major risk you took or leap of faith to go for your dreams

Am I right? Yes or yes?

That’s all fun and wonderful, however, today I want to point out a way you may unintentionally be hiding your best skill.

Logically this makes zero sense. Why on Earth would anyone hold off on, let alone hide, what their greatest ability or skill is?

An attempt at humility? Sure, maybe.

Here’s the kicker, though: 

What if it’s something seemingly insignificant that occurred in your life that ultimately led to the development of your greatest skill?

Sure, you may be asked on the regular to present your resumé, discuss how you got to a particular point in your career, or which role model had the greatest impact on your life along the way.

But what about your self-proclaimed “small” moments in life?

For example, let’s say you got into a minor car accident at 17-years-old after you left the house in the middle of a blowout argument with your mom.

You likely won’t mention that moment in your highlight reel on the way to Skilled-ville, but perhaps it was that moment that - to this day - led to your decision to always leave the house telling your family you love them. Maybe it was that moment that allows you to exhibit empathy to colleagues when they are worried about their teenager’s behavior at home.

Another example - perhaps you once saw, on a TV show, a single grand gesture of generosity that impacted thousands of people with one choice, and to this day, every time you make a decision in your business or organization, you consistently ask yourself, “How can my decision help the most people possible?”

One 30-minute television show; one memory of an impactful moment; led to an entire life and career of benevolent, “Go-Giver” considerations and actions.

Now consider the question again:

What seemingly insignificant occurrence in your life led to the development of your greatest skill?

These moments make you relatable. It’s time to stop underestimating them.