Super Talents

I recently watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi: A documentary of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, working in his famous Tokyo restaurant. What impressed me most was his relentless pursuit to create the perfect sushi: From being first at the fish market to select the best pieces every single morning, to massaging octopus meat for more than 45 minutes to get the perfect texture.

Jiro Ono has found his super talent—making Sushi—early in life, and he has dedicated all his energy to become better at it. 

What is interesting about super talents is that we are so good at them, we often don’t consciously recognize our own talents. In other words, the behaviors and thinking patterns associated with these super talents come so natural to us that it’s very difficult to imagine anyone else struggling. It’s like riding a bike. Once you get it, muscle memory takes over and balance becomes natural. 

How do you recognize your own super talents? There are three clues.

  • First, you turn to your super talents when faced with obstacles and difficulties.
  • Second, other people come to you to get advice about the subject of your super talent.
  • Third, you love to be immersed in the subject of your super talent.


Once you start to become aware of your own super talents, and decide to relentless use and expand these super talents, you will become unstoppable. Jiro Ono knew this.

How well is your professional life currently dedicated to using and expanding your own unique super talents?

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto/Ridofranz

4 Comments


John Blakemore
February 21, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Reply

Do you believe everyone has a super talent? If so, what proof of that do you have?


    Paul Rulkens
    February 22, 2020 at 6:41 am
    Reply

    Hi John, yes I do. It may not be obvious at first though and often you need to be exposed to a wide variety of activities to find it. This observation is anecdotal and I think it is an interesting topic for future research.

Diane d''Esterre
July 9, 2021 at 10:44 pm
Reply

I believe in my super power..my struggle is creating/finding a space to expand on it..Is defining it’s content/strengths the key?


    Paul Rulkens
    July 11, 2021 at 1:18 pm
    Reply

    Indeed, if you know what you’re good at and why you’re good, you can improve.

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