This time of year invites us to open our hearts and choose to give. While we have the opportunity to give every day of the year, there’s something special about the holidays that ignites a desire to do more for others. We tip more generously and smile more. Managers hand out year-end bonuses. We gather at parties to exchange gifts. We drop coins into donation jars and take canned goods to the food bank. We smile as children rip the paper off packages to reveal the toys underneath.
It is also a time of year for us to reflect on all the opportunities we have in our lives to GIVE—not just physical presents but to offer ourselves as a contribution to something greater. The most profound thing we can offer in the world is our love, but beyond that, it is our talents, passions and energy—in other words, our labor.
“What is labor if not the forging of love itself, made raw and real in the world?”
We all have innate gifts, and when we understand those gifts, we are better equipped to bring our best selves to our workplaces, homes and relationships. We are better able to offer the gift of our labor.
It will look different for everyone, but ultimately, there are three gifts of nature. When we know and utilize our gifts, not only will our businesses be more successful, but we can make the world a better place.
1. The Artist
We don’t mean this in the literal sense (at least not all of the time), but someone with the gift of an artist has phenomenal skill. These are people who can make, create or do something that few other people can.
Artists are the creators, musicians, software developers, inventors, engineers, athletes and writers. They have gifts of passion and creativity.
Most businesses are started by artists. They realize there is a market for their talents, so they branch out and start a business. But while they are driven and innovative, they don’t always have the skills to run a business.
They can certainly do it, and many do, but it isn’t where an artist thrives, and it can drain them creatively. Their natural gift is in creating products or services that provide incredible value.
2. The Manager
The next gift is that of the manager/leader.
The manager/leader finds joy and fulfillment in managing people and processes. They love using their brains and evaluating the big picture.
They excel at making things more efficient. They appreciate products and services but aren’t as emotionally invested in them, so they can make adjustments or pivot when needed.
People with the gift of leadership figure out how to utilize the unique skillsets of everyone on their team and leverage those strengths.
Businesses, churches, community organizations and families all need managers, but there is a third gift to bring it all together.
3. The Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are energized by taking risks. People with this gift know there is no reward without risk, and they thrive in taking big chances, falling, getting back up and trying again.
They love the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
For an artist or a manager, the energy required to risk losing it all by starting a business might be depleting. For a risk-taker, the joy comes in starting something new and building it from the ground up. They are happy to sell the business at the right time because they are in it for the economic ride.
Identifying Your Core Gift
Many of you reading this might identify as an entrepreneur. Or a manager. Or an artist. But look deep. You can exercise your leadership, risk-taking and skilled-producer muscles, but is that what is really at your core? It makes a difference.
If you want to be fulfilled, you need to spend the majority of your time in a state of flow, utilizing your core gift. It’s about what comes naturally and what lights you up. There’s a sense of ease to it. In times of stress or excitement, you will revert to what is at your core, and it is crucial that you understand what your innate gift is.
No one gift is more valuable or profitable than another. Businesses and organizations need all those gifts to thrive. Anywhere you consistently apply your skills and passions, your core gift will show up. Knowing your gift of labor and understanding the core gifts of others will allow you to utilize your talents and resources most effectively.
Not only that but when you are aligned with your core nature, you will be more fulfilled. Aligning with your gift prevents you from feeling stuck. Instead of pushing yourself to accomplish something, you will be pulled toward your passions. Knowing that you are using your gifts to serve something greater than yourself, something you know you are MADE for, will fill you with energy and make you feel alive inside.
When you align with your core gift, you will be ten times less stressed and ten times more productive.
Labor is a Force of Love
This holiday season, consider your labor as more than a means to an end; consider it a gift of love you can offer the world.
Are you an artist or producer with big ideas and dreams? Are you passionate about the ways your talents add value to the world?
Are you a true leader who has the ability to bring out the best in people? Are you skilled in organizing events and making processes more efficient?
Are you an entrepreneur, pushing for innovation and taking chances on new ideas?
If you struggle to know what your gifts are, ask your friends and family who know you best. Often, the people close to us can see our talents more clearly than we can. A personal coach or executive coach can help you identify your gifts and learn how to use them more effectively.
You will find increased joy this holiday season as you bring your gifts to your work, your families and your communities. How can you use your core gift in an upcoming work endeavor or at your next PTA meeting, church social or family gathering?
Just watch how your efforts thrive and your fulfillment increases when you lean into the core gifts of your nature.
