Hidden Talents: Examples and How to Find Yours

Everyone has hidden talents, whether you realize it or not. They are the things you are good at without even having to try. You might not have discovered yours yet, but if you soul search and give yourself time to discover your talents, you might be surprised at what you can do.

What Are Hidden Talents?

What is a hidden talent? These are skills that we can do that we, or others, didn’t realize. Finding these talents may help you in your personal and/or business life. Consider them strengths you didn’t know you had, and that lie dormant until you realize them.

Once you unleash your secret talents, you might be surprised at all the things that are possible in your life!

Is Talent Born or Learned?

We’ve all heard the term ‘they were born with natural talent,’ right? This would make you think talent is born, and it is. But once you learn of that talent and practice it, the talent becomes more learned.

Sure, you can naturally be great at something, but if you don’t nurture it, your talent won’t go anywhere. To master your skills, you must practice them, use them, and perfect them over time.

What Hidden Talents Might You Have?

From time to time, you may have found yourself wondering, “what talents do I have?” If you aren’t great at anything right now, it’s easy to think of yourself as coming up short or less than everyone else.

But, if you stop and think about what comes naturally to you, it’s easy to find cool talents you might have. Some hidden talents include dancing, playing an instrument, cooking, sewing, or doing magic tricks.

Not every hidden talent has to be a hobby, either. For example, a secret talent many people have is being able to talk to others. You can imagine how this can help in a person’s personal and business life because talking is the key to networking. You might have a larger circle of friends, feel more confident in a room of strangers, and network with business professionals much easier than someone without this talent.

How Can I Find My Hidden Talent?

Finding your list of hidden talents isn’t as hard as it seems. It takes a little soul searching and stepping outside your comfort zone but with practice, you’ll find your hidden talent.

Sometimes taking lessons, trying different physical activities, or joining a club helps. Think of things that interest you and try them. For example, if you’ve always wanted to play the guitar, take lessons and see how you do. You might find that it comes naturally to you, giving you another creative outlet in your life.

When you try something new, pay attention to how it feels. Are you forcing yourself to do it? Does it feel unnatural? If so, it may not make your list of talents, and that’s okay! It’s all about trial and error until you find random skills you never knew you had.

Don’t beat yourself up if you fail at everything you try, though. The talents people have aren’t always learned in lessons or by doing things. Sometimes it’s just about finding out that you have a passion for something and can turn it into something good in your life.

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Does Everyone Have a Hidden Talent?

Everyone has hidden talents, even if you don’t think you do. They are just skills or even weird talents that you can turn into something good in your personal or business life.

For example, your hidden talent may be that you are a good listener. You could use this in your job depending on what you do for a living. If you’re a social worker or counselor, this skill comes in handy. It also comes in handy in almost any profession because you can better hear and comprehend what people ask of you. This might make you a better employee no matter what you do for a living.

Don’t think just because you don’t have ‘impressive talents’ that they aren’t worth it. Any talent or passion someone has is worth something.

Why Do I Not Have Any Talents?

If you think you don’t have any hidden talents, it’s because you haven’t looked for them. You have to search for them by doing some soul searching, trying new things, and finding out what’s enjoyable to you and what comes easy. It’s often interesting to find out what a person’s list of talents are once they give themselves the chance to try something new.

34 Examples of Hidden Talents

1. Acting

You don’t have to be a famous actor or actress to be good at acting. Sure, many get a lucky break and get discovered, which is amazing, but acting can also be a great creative outlet in your free time.

2. Animal Training

Do people call you a ‘dog whisperer’ or wonder why animals always come to you even if they don’t know you? Animal training might be an excellent career for you because it takes a special type of person to be able to not only have fun with animals but also deal with their nuances.

3. Athleticism

Natural-born athletes often do well when they embrace their impressive talents. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a professional athlete, but sometimes athleticism can be used in other areas of your life too. Whether you coach for a living or even volunteer your time helping kids in youth sports, there’s always a use for people with the ability to do well at sports.

4. Balance 

This is one of those examples of hidden talents that no one would consider a talent until they really thought about it. Having great balance comes in handy in a variety of occupations and hobbies. If you’re able to balance when most people stumble, your hidden talent could very well be balance.

5. Comedy

Funny talents are important because we all need to laugh! Think back to your days in school. Were you always known as the ‘class clown’? If so, you might have the skills necessary to be a comedian in front of large audiences. Even if that’s not the path you choose, being good at comedy is a great way to make everyone feel at ease, no matter how difficult the situation.

6. Communication

Do you love talking to others? Can you always find something to talk about? If so, on your list of hidden talents might be communication. This can work to your advantage in just about every area of your life, including your personal and business life, as communication is the key to just about everything.

7. Cooking

Cooking is one of those amazing talents that not everyone has. If you were born with the natural talent to cook delicious foods, use it to your advantage! Cooking can be therapeutic for yourself and those you cook for when they visit.

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8. Creativity

If you have a creative bone in your body, use it to your advantage. Creativity could mean anything from drafting amazing stories, creating art, or coming up with unique business ideas. Creativity is one of those examples of talents that many people wish they had but don’t. So if you’re creative, use it in your personal and business life and see how far it takes you.

9. Cultural Awareness

Being naturally aware of different cultures and their needs can make you a more empathetic person. When your special talents list includes cultural awareness, you are more likely to include everyone in your life and stand up for what’s right. That says a lot about your character! You’ll appreciate those who are different from you and promote inclusiveness around you.

10. Drawing

Drawing is one of those cool hidden talents that can be therapeutic once you realize you have it. For example, drawing can help you re-center and feel better during times of emotional stress. Of course, if you’re really good at it and practice your skill, you might even be able to turn drawing into a side business.

11. Endurance

Endurance is a hidden talent that many people have and don’t realize it. Yet, endurance can take you far in life, both personally and professionally. You can use it in your physical exercise, mental stamina, and ability to carry out your work.

12. Falling Asleep Quickly

Falling asleep quickly is one of those random talents not everyone was blessed with in life. It may not feel like a significant accomplishment, but if you’re able to fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow, chances are you get a lot more rest than those who toss and turn most of the night. Since sleep is so crucial to our physical and mental health, it’s an ability you should embrace.

13. Fashion Sense

Do people come to you for fashion advice? Does finding beautiful clothes and shoes bring you joy? If so, you probably have the secret talent of fashion sense. You know what looks good together and the latest trends without anyone telling you. Think of it as a form of art, something that millions of people wish they had.

14. Flexibility 

If you’re double-jointed, ambidextrous, or can bend your body in ways people might call a contortionist, you may have missed your calling to be in the circus or other theatrical performance!

15. Hair and MakeUp

Being good at hair and makeup is one of those secret talent examples most women wish they had. If you can pick up any new hairstyle or love to watch makeup artists on YouTube and mimic what they do, you may have the hidden talent of hair and makeup design.

16. Independence

Some people are entirely dependent on others and can’t make their own decisions, while others have the secret talent of being completely independent. If you can operate on your own, thinking on your own feet, you can go anywhere in life without depending on anyone else.

17. Innovation

Being innovative is one of those unusual talents you should use to your advantage in your professional life. Whether you work for someone and can use your skills to get promotions and be successful there, or you start your own business using your own ideas, the sky’s the limit when innovation is your hidden talent.

18. Juggling

Sometimes strange talents like juggling can get us through tough times. Whether you use your talent for stress relief or to entertain an audience, there’s always a use for juggling if for nothing else but to impress a group of people.

19. Knife Throwing

Knife throwing may not be a talent you can show many people, but it definitely belongs on your list of cool talents if it’s something you can do! It’s certainly an ice breaker when you’re trying to come up with ‘something unique about yourself’ in new group situations.

20. Languages

If learning new languages comes easy to you, it’s a hidden talent. Of course, you have your native language, and you might have a second language if your family speaks it. Children have an affinity for learning languages and learning to sign at a young age. If you have been able to pick up multiple other languages, you have one of those impressive talents many people wish they had.

21. Leadership Ability

The hidden talent of leadership ability is invaluable in your professional and personal life. You can easily lead your group at work to success while being the leader in your personal life with friends, kids, activities, clubs, and large audiences.

22. Magic

We could all use some funny hidden talents to get us through tough times, and magic is one of them! If you can master magic tricks, you can use them to entertain an audience or just as one of your fun hobbies that you use to entertain relatives at parties.

23. Memory/Recall

Having a great memory can get you far in life. Of course, it helps in school and your profession, but it’s also great for many things in your personal life like directions, remembering interesting historical facts, winning at Trivial Pursuit, or just remembering important details from the past.

24. Music/Instruments

Playing musical instruments or being able to sing are high on the list of talents most people wish they had. Whether you become a professional musician, use your talents to de-stress, or as one of your hobbies, it’s a great one to have on your list. In addition, you might discover that you enjoy playing for charity or with a group. It can also be a great way to meet others with similar likes and skills.

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25. Public Speaking

Not everyone has the secret talent of public speaking. For many people, it creates a feeling of panic, but not for those with the hidden talent of enjoying speaking in front of others! If you have the talent for public speaking, you can use it to your advantage in both your professional and personal life.

26. Puzzle Solving

Puzzles can be incredibly relaxing or ridiculously stressful, depending on how easy they come to you. It’s one of those random talents that can come in handy when you’re doing a puzzle (obviously), but the problem-solving skills you have from doing puzzles can also help you in other areas of your life.

27. Rubik’s Cube

Some people look at a Rubik’s Cube and instantly give up, while others with the hidden talent of solving this difficult puzzle enjoy it. Like puzzle solving, this is one of those talents people have that can help you in other areas of your life because you see problems differently than the rest.

28. Sewing/Crochet

Sewing and crocheting are unique talents certain people have that they can use as stress relievers or even make money. If you have a knack for sewing or crocheting beautiful pieces, you can sell them on Etsy and make a side business out of it.

29. Singing

One thing many people wish they could do well is sing! There is a certain appeal to having fans and people showing up to celebrate your abilities. There are so many benefits of having the hidden talent of singing. It helps you decrease your stress levels, boost confidence, and enables you to express yourself. If you sing songs with a group, you also have the benefit of increasing your social circle with people with similar interests.

30. Singing/Pitch

Having a perfect pitch is on the list of talents that can take you far! You don’t have to sing songs for money for it to do you good either. You can sing for fun, charity, or in groups at church or other group functions.

31. Speed Reading

Speed reading is one of those remarkable talents that come in handy in many areas of your life. For example, you can read instructions faster when you’re building something, read ‘boring books’ faster to get them over with, and get everyday tasks done in record time that takes others much longer.

32. Thinking Outside the Box

People that can think outside the box go far in life when they use their hidden talent. When you aren’t ‘stuck in a box,’ you can see other possibilities in your personal and business life that can work to your advantage.

33. Video Games

You might think of being good at video games as one of those weird talents, but it can also help you in other areas of your life. For example, when you’re good at video games, you have good eye/hand coordination, which can come in handy in many areas of your life.

34. Whistling

Whistling might seem like another one of those weird talents, but it can be incredibly soothing during stressful times. Like singing, it lowers stress levels, increases lung capacity, and makes you feel good overall.

Surprising Celebrity Hidden Talents

We’ve come up with a list of 35 hidden talent examples to help you get started. Don’t feel bad if these common talents don’t spark something in you, though. This list is meant to get you thinking ‘outside of the box’ so you can find what you’re good at and can master.

We know most celebrities for their known talent, like acting or singing, but did you know many celebrities have hidden talents too?

Justin Bieber can solve a Rubik’s Cube in 1 minute and 23 seconds! That’s probably not the image you have of him, but it’s one of those cool hidden talents that makes him seem even more unique, right?

Mark Ruffalo (aka the Hulk) is a master unicyclist! Who would have thought, right? He even went 25 years before he rode one again, and he said it was just like getting back on a bike – you never forget how!

Taylor Swift does more than sing amazing songs. In her free time, she makes jams and jellies for her friends and family. It’s hard to picture celebrities like Taylor Swift working in the kitchen, but she has always done it!

Neal Patrick Harris is a master at magic tricks. He is on the board of directors at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, and you can even see him do some of his tricks on his hit show ‘How I Met your Mother.’

Finally, Conan O’Brien is another of those celebrities with hidden talents – he can tap dance! It’s been a passion ever since he was a small child, and he has even showcased his skills on his show before.

What’s the Difference Between Talents and Gifts?

Talents and gifts are often used interchangeably and for good reason. If you have a talent, you likely consider it a gift, right? It’s something you were born able to do or with the passion for pursuing it. It’s something that comes from deep within you and takes some soul searching and realizing to understand what you can do and how you can use it.

BONUS: What Are Some Unique Talent Show Ideas?

If you’re considering entering a talent show, you might want some unique ideas to get you in the show, whether you’re doing it just for fun or trying to get discovered.

A few fun ideas include:

• Put on a comedic skit
• Dance
• Perform a magic act
• Show off your contortionist skills
• Display your art skills
• Play a musical instrument

Hidden Talents FAQ

What Are Some Weird Hidden Talents?

Sometimes weird hidden talents are just as fun as ordinary talents. Here are a few odd, yet useful talents:

• Easily folding a fitted sheet (without struggling)
• Being able to nap for a predetermined amount of time and waking up without an alarm
• Putting the USB cable in the right way the first time every time
• Making funny voices (great for voiceovers)
• Picking things up with your toes (no bending required)

What Are Useless Talents?

• Being oddly good at recognizing fonts
• Being able to tell a songbird just by its song
• Writing without looking
• Switching accents mid-conversation

What Are Natural Talents Examples?

• Being good at everything (like a handyman)
• Being great at talking to all types of people
• Being able to problem solve easily
• Being able to come up with ideas on the spot

What Is the Most Common Talent?

The hidden talents list is extensive, but what comes up most often when you ask a group of people about their hidden talent, it’s singing and dancing. Of course, any cool talents you have are great, but those are the most common.

What Are the 3 Types of Talents?

There are three types of talents – striving, thinking, and relating. Striving talents motivate you every day, thinking talents describe how you think and how you are disciplined, and relating talents are in regards to how you relate to others and develop relationships.

The Bottom Line

Take the time to soul search and figure out your hidden talents. You may have more than you realize! When you use your abilities to your advantage, you’ll be more motivated in life and have an easier time at things you didn’t even realize could be easy for you. So what are some hidden talents YOU possess?