Navigating the Path to Self-Discovery: Embracing My Aptitude and Dominant Intelligence
Discovering and validating one's aptitude and dominant intelligence is a journey of self-awareness and acceptance. For many, including myself, this process is not a superpower but a gradual awakening of understanding one's unique capabilities and how they compare to others. This article explores how I discovered and accepted my own aptitude and dominant intelligence, along with the lessons and insights gained from this journey.
The Myth of the Superpower
Despite the temptation to label certain abilities as superpowers, they are often much more nuanced. Take, for example, my memory. For much of my life, I did not realize that I had an impressive memory. Growing up in a family where both my mother and I have similar memory capabilities, I assumed everyone had memories as reliable as mine. However, the truth is that significant differences in memory retention can add up over time, making a noticeable difference in knowledge acquisition and recall over decades.
Consider two individuals: Person A remembers 30% of what they concentrate on, while Person B remembers 35%. If these individuals spend the same amount of time focusing on information, the difference in knowledge retention becomes apparent. After a certain period, Person B will know 5 more pieces of information than Person A, and if we continue this over decades, the gap widens significantly. This is not a superpower, but a subtle advantage that can make a substantial difference in learning and knowledge acquisition.
Reinventing Calculus for Quick Multiplication
One of the turning points in my journey of self-discovery came when I was in 5th grade. Despite having a strong memory, quick memory recall was not one of my strengths. Instead of memorizing the multiplication table for instant recall, I chose a creative approach by memorizing the squares of numbers. This enabled me to work out individual multiplications more efficiently, which was quicker for me than memorizing the entire table.
While this method was undoubtedly advantageous, it should not be exaggerated into a superpower. The ability to remember books well enough to wait 5 years before re-reading them for enjoyment is impressive, yet it is more a testament to the power of organization and long-term memory than a superhuman talent. Even at 53 years of age, I still do not claim to know everything. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and there is always room for growth and improvement.
Learning from Online Communities
The journey to self-discovery also led me to online communities, particularly the Genius forum, where I could engage with like-minded individuals. It was here that I began to understand the extent of my gifted abilities. The environment, however, was not always welcoming. Engaging with a community of intelligent and sometimes arrogant individuals required a mix of intuition, patience, and open-mindedness.
I recounted my experiences by sharing how others discovered their own gifted abilities:
"How did you discover your gifted abilities?"
"Through others!" - LaTeesha Reaves
LaTeesha's response highlighted a crucial aspect of self-discovery: often, we learn about our unique abilities through the experiences and insights of others. This community provided a platform for introspection and validation, reinforcing my understanding of my own aptitudes.
In conclusion, the journey to discovering and validating one's aptitude and dominant intelligence is more about recognizing and embracing one's unique capabilities rather than labeling them as superpowers. Through an understanding of our personal strengths and the insights gained from online communities, we can navigate the path to a more self-aware and fulfilling life. The journey is ongoing, and each step is a testament to our ongoing growth and self-discovery.