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| Let’s start with a simple question. What do you like about your body? Most of us immediately think of all the things we don’t like, right? Eventually—maybe reluctantly—we come up with an answer: our eye color, height, hair, smile, and so on. But how do any of these compare to the ability to see? Or to feel? Why do we focus on the comparatively superficial rather than the truly substantial? Our eye color is irrelevant compared to our ability to see. Is this a clear example of our bias, our pride, our distortion of values favoring something so particular and surface-level, over something so universally valuable? It got me to thinking, about the depth and breadth of universal talents we’ve all been given in this life. And the irony that we might be missing out on something truly special here. Universal talents are natural abilities or aptitudes that tend to show up across all people—regardless of background, culture, or upbringing. While not everyone expresses these talents in the same way, or to the same degree, most of us have some capacity for them. They’re often considered part of what it means to be human—and they can be further developed and refined over time. An incredible universal talent we all share is the ability to make a difference in someone else’s life. Every single one of us. Think about that for a minute! The truth is, we seldom do think about that. Instead, we fixate on big, rare, flashy, “special” talents, ending up with a disproportionate amount of time and energy spent on things that really don’t matter. As we know, there is no shortage of distractions: social media, clicks, binge-watching, celebrity drama, gossip, obsession with money, having more possessions, and the things of this place. Meanwhile, there’s something essential we’re overlooking: the need to get back to embracing, nurturing, and elevating our universal talents! These are valuable gifts and some of the most powerful abilities we have. They sustain us. They help others. They connect us. Often working quietly in the background, hidden in plain sight, and carried out with deep humanity. In my work as a Virtual Assistant (VA), I see these talents in action—and use them every single day. Here are just a few universal talents that make us all helpful human beings: Communication -The ability to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas—verbally, non-verbally, or in writing. -Nearly everyone has some instinct to share or connect with others, even before formal language develops in them. -As VAs, we are attuned to interpret tone, anticipate needs, write clear messages. -A VA’s communication skills help give voice to a brand or CEO’s vision. Creativity -Humans are naturally imaginative. Whether it’s storytelling, problem-solving, or building something new, creativity is a universal drive. -A VA’s creativity shows through crafting social media posts, solving tech snags, and organizing workflows. -Creativity is not just “art”, it’s how we all find better ways. Empathy -The ability to sense or understand another’s emotions is built into our social wiring. -From infancy, people mirror and respond to others’ feelings—it’s a fundamental part of connection. -Not just seeing the emotion or need—but holding space for it. -VAs often understand what clients need before they say it—when to check in, when to step back. Curiosity -We are born with the human spirit of wanting to explore and understand the world. -Curiosity fuels learning, discovery, and even survival—it’s a deeply embedded human trait. -For the VA, we are always learning new tools, platforms, strategies. -Staying up-to-date and always exploring smarter solutions is how a VA works. Problem-Solving -All humans face obstacles, and all cultures develop ways to solve problems—through logic, experimentation, or intuition. -This is the underlying talent for invention, adaptation, and resilience. -VAs find quick solutions when something goes wrong. -Making life easier in real time is a VA’s purpose. Adaptability -Humans are wired to adapt to new circumstances, physically and mentally. -Whether it’s a new environment, social group, or idea, we’re built to adjust. -As VAs, we work with different personalities, industries, and changing goals. -VAs thrive in the flexible, ever-shifting world of online work. Recognizing our universal talents matters, because it encourages self-worth. It reminds us thatwe already have value, naturally. It helps us discover areas we might want to develop. And most importantly, it shows us that we’re all more alike than different. We don’t need to be exceptional at these talents to have them. Some may already be blossoming; others can grow with a little attention and use. As a Virtual Assistant, I use my abilities to be more than a “helper.” I aim to be a partner in progress. A collaborator. VAs often hold space behind the scenes, allowing businesses to grow and thrive. Many of us use our talents quietly, but powerfully. Making work and life better. Making a difference for someone. Of course, there will always be great artists, composers, actors, singers, athletes—people with rare, bold and highly visible gifts and talents. They may become wildly successful, even famous, because of them. But let’s not lose sight, we have unique talents too! Many are just waiting to be discovered. In the meantime, with our universal talents—we all have the ability to make a difference in another person’s life. At the end of the day, doesn’t that have more worth than any painting, symphony, movie, album, or game? Perhaps it’s time to shift some of the spotlight away from unique talents, and shine more light on our universal talents. Give more credit to real, multi-faceted people bringing deeply human gifts to others, every single day. Because we can all make a difference with the gifts we’ve been given. And that is truly valuable. |