Every field of practice has opportunities for specialization.
Anyone who works toward a career needs to develop their unique skill sets and know their most valuable character traits.
I’ve had countless conversations – even a few in the past two days – with Coaches and Counselors about how they narrowed in on their niche.
Below is a list of essential elements to reflect on as you explore your niche areas of practice. These suggestions are based on anecdotal research, personal experience and observation.
#1 – Notice what you naturally gravitate toward in your areas of interest in all areas of your life. What do you read, watch, follow, talk about and do for fun?
#2 – What have you learned through life experiences? Including occupational, social, emotional, financial, spiritual and physical domains. This can point you in the direction of what you may have to offer others (as long as those elements that are traumatic are healed or healing).
#3 – When others ask you for your help or input, what is the nature of their request? This will let you know what others think is your area of expertise. If you are a service provider, it can also help you shape your service offerings.
#4 – Examine which tasks you avoid or dislike, make sure that the work you are doing or choosing is not primarily made up of those tasks. If these tasks are essential to the work and you can’t find a way to get better at it or find fulfillment in it, re-consider this area of practice.
#5 – What are you good at or what comes naturally to you that you take for granted? If you are not sure, ask people who know you well. They are good observers of your natural skills and talents.
#6 – Be honest about your personal characteristics. If you have, for example, a quick temper or are impatient, this can damage your ability to obtain the experiences necessary to hone your craft. Be willing to work on yourself in order to earn opportunities in your areas of interest.
#7 – Consider the volunteer work you do both officially and unofficially. The service we offer to others at no cost can point us toward our passion. If we are lucky we have talent in our area of interest. If you don’t have talent in that area, commit to the time it will take to develop that talent.
#8 – Be focused in deliberate practice and service. That is what Malcom Gladwell talked about in his book Outliers, when he described the 10, 000 hours necessary to develop mastery. That is 40 hours a week for 5 years. It is highly likely that you already have mastery in something and where you have found mastery is where you will find your niche.
If you or someone you know is searching for their niche, I hope you find this list helpful!
Copyright © 2015 Ruby Blow. All rights reserved.
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