Forge and Aim: A Talent Inventory

Anvil & Arrow – Issue 3

Maximus wasn’t born ready—he was forged in fire long before the battle.
Like him, we must train before the test comes.
Because our moment will come. The question is: will we be ready?

We, too, must prepare for our moment of truth.

Our talents are tools to be sharpened—forged.
Just like a Marine wouldn’t neglect his rifle, we must never neglect our gifts.

But if we don’t know what our talents are, we’ll never forge them properly.

Like any good adventure, we must first take stock of what we carry.
Only then can we know how to serve.

Part 1: Name Your Talents

Instructions:
Take 10–15 minutes to quietly reflect. Pray, journal, or sit with the following questions.

Remember: talents include both visible skills (e.g., problem-solving) and quieter virtues (e.g., empathy or discipline).

• What has always come naturally to me?
• When I am praised, what do others praise me for?
• When do I perform well—at work, at home, or in my community?
• What activities am I naturally drawn to?
• Who are your heroes? What are their virtues? Do you possess those?
• What do I secretly hope someone would ask me to do?

Write down 3–5 core talents or strengths you believe you have.
These might be skills (like mentoring, organizing, or public speaking) or traits (like calmness, perseverance, or strategic thinking).

Over the next week, take 5–10 minutes a day to reflect on your talents.
With time, others may emerge that you rarely considered.

Part 2: Ask Others

Instructions:
Choose 2–3 people you respect (friends, mentors, spouse, parents) and ask them:

• What strengths or talents do you consistently see in me?
• What areas could I improve?

Encourage honesty. Flattery will not help you grow.

Write down what they say and notice if it overlaps with Part 1.

Part 3: Identify Weak Points

Instructions:
We all have blind spots. Humility allows us to see them—and grow stronger.

• What responsibilities do I tend to avoid?
• What negative feedback do I often hear?
• What drains me quickly, even when I try hard?
• What virtue, skill, or mindset do I wish I had?

Write down 1–3 areas for growth.
These could be a skill, habit, mindset, or even a vice you want to overcome.

Part 4: Forge and Aim (Action Plan)

Now bring it all together:

• What are two talents I want to develop further?
• What is one weakness I want to strengthen?
• Where can I best use these talents right now?
• What is one small action I can take this week?

Set a single goal for this week.
Keep it simple. Consistency, not complexity, is how we grow.

Closing Thoughts

Change takes time—but nothing changes if you never begin.
Be patient with yourself as you develop your strengths and confront your weaknesses.

I also encourage you to choose a theme for the summer—one word or phrase to guide your growth.
This video by CGP Grey reshaped how I think about goals. A strong theme, combined with the clarity you’ve gained here, can forge you into the man you’re meant to become.

Let’s Connect:

• Leave a comment or reply:
  What small action will you take this week?
• If someone came to mind while reading this, forward it to them.
  Let’s walk this journey together.

Anvil: the place of formation.
Arrow: the mission we’re sent on.