SOMETIMES we are so comfortable with the way things are that we tend to forget we can be much more.
When we only limit ourselves to things that we already know, we do not open doors for new opportunities and learning. When our work is only based on the expected output, we will not realize we can do better.
Yes, getting out of our comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it is always possible. We need to change our outlook and how we do things.
Just like what’s happening now.
The pandemic changed almost everything – from our daily routine to our lifestyle.
We can no longer get out of the house and be anywhere the way we used to. We can no longer be with our friends in our favorite places anytime. We can no longer do things that require physical contact or presence without fears of getting infected. Everything just becomes limited.
But because everyone is affected and life seems hard, many became first-timers.
Some shifted to online business to gain income, others went into painting to divert attention, many tried biking to become active and healthy. And most of them thrived.
One always does something to make life non-sedentary. In short, something good always happens.
Just like our teachers today.
When life seemed normal during the pre-pandemic times, our teachers were focused on teaching inside the classroom. Their time was spent mostly preparing the lessons and checking the outputs. The lessons include integration of multimedia, and the outputs were done in varied forms, not just the typical paper and pen test.
Well, at least we know that this is the 21st century education.
When the pandemic came and face-to-face classes became impossible, most schools shifted to printed modules. But many options were given including online classes, radio-based instruction (RBI) and TV-based instruction (TBI).
Teachers were not used to having all classes via online where they could only see students on screen. They were not used to broadcast lessons over the radio nor face the camera to deliver the lessons.
But because they needed to do something to continue education, they found ways and, consequently, discovered they have the natural talent after all.
They can modulate their voice and sound natural or use the camera to project neatly on screen or make videos to present something original.
Yes, some of our teachers have gone this far. For example, most of the episodes of Diri sa DepEd Onse, an online broadcast of the Department of Education every Friday, are documentaries presenting lives of learners, parents, or teachers.
No one hires a professional video editor or scriptwriter or cameramen or director to do the needed work. The team that produces the broadcast is composed of teachers or personnel who did not study the craft in college nor practice the kind of work, but they allowed themselves to create and come up with outstanding and meaningful episodes.
They discovered their hidden talents. And now, they are having fun.
How do we discover our so-called hidden talent? It’s hidden so it means it’s just there.
Maybe we can go back to one of the five components of Howard Gardner on emotional intelligence, and we can start from there.
One component is self-awareness where we recognize and understand our emotions and, by then, we look into our strengths and weaknesses. By knowing our strength, we can create more. By discovering our weaknesses, we can find ways to improve.
This is also associated with being open to new and different experiences. When we try out seemingly new things, we go back to what we initially know. By going back, we discover ourselves. And everything becomes a cycle.
Was there ever a time you said to yourself, “Parang kaya ko yan gawin (I think I can do that)”? Maybe you are starting to discover your hidden talent. And when you are in this situation, do not hesitate. Just do it.
You’ll find that you can be much more.