By Kumar Mehta – CNBC
We are not all naturally capable of the same things. Some are more athletic and have better coordination. Some understand language and words more quickly at a young age, while others are good with numbers and visualizing patterns.
But most people don't fully understand the range of their skills, and as a result, may end up in the wrong careers. Or, they may enjoy their work but struggle to identify effective learning techniques that will help them further excel.
The theory of multiple intelligences
To better understand your skills and abilities, I often recommend starting with the theory of multiple intelligences.
First introduced in his 1983 book Frames of Mind, Howard Gardner, psychologist and professor at Harvard University, says there are eight types of human intelligence—each representing different ways a person processes more good information.
How high you score in one category doesn't necessarily affect how (high or low) you score in another.
Below are the eight types of intelligence identified by Gardner.
1- Spatial intelligence
Ability to think abstractly and in multiple dimensions. It means you have a great capacity for spatial reasoning and conception – something that is required for fields such as architecture, graphic design, photography, interior design and aviation.
Possible career choices:
Pilot
Stylist
Architect
Surgeon
Artist
engineer
2- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
The ability to use your body in a way that demonstrates physical and athletic ability. If you have this skill, you can be an athlete who effortlessly runs across a field and passes a ball, or a dancer who flawlessly executes an intricate routine.
Possible career choices:
dancer
physiotherapists
Athlete
mechanical
Actor
3- Musical intelligence
Sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody and timbre. This can lead to the ability to sing and/or play musical instruments. Famous people with musical intelligence include Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix and Aretha Franklin.
Possible career choices:
Singer
Music conductor
DJ
Music teacher
songwriter
Composer
4- Linguistic intelligence
Sometimes called "linguistic intelligence," this includes sensitivity to word meaning, the order between words and sound, the rhythms, inflections, and meter of words. Those who score high in this category are usually good at writing stories, memorizing information, and reading.
Possible career choices:
Poet
Novelist
Journalist
Editor
Lawyer
Professor
5- Logical-mathematical intelligence
Ability to analyze problems logically, perform mathematical operations and investigate issues scientifically. People with this intelligence, such as Albert Einstein and Bill Gates, are adept at developing equations and proofs and solving abstract problems.
Possible career choices:
Programmer
mathematician
Economist
Accountant
Scientist
engineer
6- Interpersonal intelligence
Ability to interact effectively with others. Sensitivity to other people's moods, feelings, temperaments, and motivations. Basically, it is being able to understand and relate to those around you.
Possible career choices:
Team manager
negotiating
politician
Publicist
Seller
Psychologist
7- Interpersonal intelligence
Sensitivity to one's feelings, intentions, and anxieties, and the ability to plan and act in light of one's own traits. Intrapersonal intelligence is not specific to specific careers; rather, it is a goal for every individual in a complex modern society, where he must make important decisions for himself.
Possible career choices:
Therapist
adviser
Psychologist
entrepreneur
Philosopher
theorist
8- Naturalistic intelligence
The ability to understand nuances in nature, including distinguishing between plants, animals and other elements of nature and life. Notable individuals with naturalistic intelligence include Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall.
Possible career choices:
Geologist
farmer
Botanist
Biologist
When we gain a deeper understanding of our natural talents, we have a better chance of understanding how to achieve goals in our personal and professional lives.