When out walking, I take notes and capture thoughts on my phone.

When at my desk, thoughts are captured in a notebook.

Typically, the notes reference a source or say “idea” if the thought is a new one of mine.

Lots of the notes become blog posts.

Today, there was a note that I don’t know where it came from, but I like it:

“Creativity is applying your gifts to your goals.”

My Perspective

I like the way this statement is both broad and specific.

Our gifts are unique to each of us and often we don’t think much about them.

Our goals can be anything from a future life to a project at work, or a better meal plan at home.

Creativity comes in when we work to pair our gifts with the goals at hand.

When I think backwards, I can pair the gifts I used with the goals I was looking to achieve.

For example, I can use the goal of creating this blog. 

Personal gifts that support me include curation, organization, and ideation.

These are different from the skills that support the blog – writing and photography.

Skills can be learned. 

Gifts come naturally.

What is a skill for me might be a gift for you or vice versa.

Moving forward, I want to apply this concept to future goals.

Considering both my gifts and skills and how to best apply them to the goal.

I want to learn if pro-actively thinking about my gifts can help me reach other goals more smoothly.

Your Turn

Have you consciously thought about the gifts you apply to different goals?

What are your top five gifts? 

Do others see these gifts, or do you keep them private?

How could you apply your creativity to pair your gifts and goals together?