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.

Your secret talent may not even be so secret. To you, they are just natural abilities, but they can be helpful in your personal or business life. Recognizing your hidden talent can help you use your hidden talents to your advantage.

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 Secret Talents Might You Have?

From time to time, you may have found yourself wondering, “what are my hidden talents?” 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 common 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.

So, what are your hidden talents?

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 Secret Talent?

Everyone has secret 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.

52 Hidden Talent Examples

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, especially dog 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/Knitting

Sewing, crocheting and knitting are unique talents that certain people 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.

35. Painting

Painting is a hidden talent worth exploring. Whether you love to paint walls and ceilings or create pictures on canvas, there are many ways you can use your talents to make money or just to have a stress-relieving hobby to pass the time.

36. Baking

Baking is one of those secret talents examples that everyone can enjoy. Whether you bake for your family, local bake sales, or you turn your hobby into a little business, you can do plenty with your baking skills. You could even teach baking classes and make money teaching others your secret talent.

37. Calligraphy

Calligraphy is one of those hidden talent ideas that’s relaxing, crafty, and can be useful as a hobby or side hustle. It takes natural talent to have the patience and creativity to be able to do calligraphy and people pay good money to have someone do calligraphy on envelopes and other materials. If you aren’t interested in turning it into a business, you could just use it as a hobby and relaxing pastime.

38. Bartending

Creativity doesn’t only mean painting or drawing. You can create art with alcoholic drinks. You might not even realize your secret talent until someone tells you how good your drinks are or when you start playing around with different flavors. You can turn your talents as a bartender into a career path or use it purely for entertainment and of course, a little fun.

39. Woodworking

Woodworking or carpentry is another hidden talent you can use to turn into a career path. There is always a tremendous need for construction workers, and knowing how to build walls and floors or wood with intricate details, like beams and decks are hidden skills examples that can help you make a lot of money.

40. Interior Design

Having an eye for design is one of those secret talent ideas that often gets overlooked. But if you constantly get compliments on your home’s decor or people ask you for ideas to decorate their homes, you may have unleashed a hidden talent that can help you and others highlight their home’s greatest features. Of course, this is also a hidden talent idea that could become a lucrative career path.

41. Event Planning

If you find yourself always taking control in large crowds, making the plans and ensuring everything goes off without a hitch, event planning may be something to pursue. If the thought of setting up local events, helping couples create their dream wedding, or planning big parties lights you up, consider a career or side hustle in event planning.

42. Flipping Items

Do you find joy in locating worn-down products and fixing them up? If you frequent thrift or antique stores and cannot wait to give them your own touch, you could make money flipping items. In other words, you buy something for much less than it’s worth, fix it up, and sell it for a profit.

43. Gardening

Gardening is one of the examples of secret talents that you can use for your mental health or turn into a business. Possessing a green thumb is not something everyone is lucky enough to have, especially if you have intimate knowledge of soil composition, different types of flowers and herbs, or can create beautiful landscapes.

44. Graphic Design

Graphic designers are always in high demand. You can work as a graphic designer full-time or run a side hustle, making extra money to meet your financial goals. Graphic designers create logos, flyers, websites, and other media sources for personal and business use. Many people have this skill without formal education but can turn it into a lucrative career.

45. Martial Arts

Martial arts is a great way to get physically fit and de-stress. You might not even realize you have this hidden talent. For example, if you consider balancing, endurance, or remembering things on your hidden talents list, you may want to try your hand at karate or taekwondo; you may be good at it.

46. Networking

When you’re asked, ‘Do you have any hidden talents,’ talking to people probably isn’t something that comes to mind, but it can be an incredible talent. Having the ability to read a room, take command, and talk to anyone is one of those natural abilities you can use to transform your personal and professional life. Networking is the key to developing new relationships, getting new job prospects, or landing new customers for your business.

47. Photography

Anyone can take a picture, but capturing the moment in a way that’s awe-inspiring takes a true photographer. If you can take pictures that go beyond the basic photos most people can take or have an eye for detail when editing photos, you can use your talent to take pictures of family members and friends, start a business, or just have fun posting pictures of things like nature on your social media feeds.

48. Researching

If you can’t rest until you’ve located the final detail of a topic, you may have the natural talent for research. This hidden talent can be helpful in your personal life when trying to learn something new or solve problems and in your professional life. Whether you work in market research or medical research and development, or you help companies solve problems, your innate ability to get down to the smallest detail can do a lot of good in the world.

49. Scrapbooking

Sometimes, you don’t have to look very hard to find hidden talents because they are right there in front of you. For example, if you love to make scrapbooks, it’s a hidden talent. Taking ordinary photographs and turning them into a work of art for everyone to enjoy is a fun and stress-relieving hobby. It creates incredible memories that last a lifetime.

50. Sales

When you think, ‘What are my hidden talents,’ you probably don’t think about your ability to talk to people or to make even the most mundane item seem appealing, but these are incredible talents that can take you places in life. Having a knack for sales can help you be successful as a salesperson or as a business owner as you try to get new customers.

51. Teaching

Teaching isn’t just one of those hidden skills examples; it’s a superpower! Having the patience to teach someone something new broadens their horizons and makes you an incredible person. Whether you work as a teacher or run a side gig as a tutor, the sky’s the limit for people with the talent to teach. You can teach subjects like math or English or teach other talents like art, music, or sewing.

52. Writing

Writing is one of those items on the hidden talents list that you can use professionally or personally. You can make a living as a writer or use your writing talents to journal, write poetry, or even start a blog about something you are passionate about and want to share with the world, but just for fun.

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

FAQs

What Are Some Weird Hidden Talents?

Sometimes, weird hidden talents are just as fun as ordinary talents. Some odd yet useful talents include easily folding a fitted sheet, making funny voices, or being able to nap and wake up without an alarm. Yes, they are silly talents, but they have a use in your life and should be celebrated.

What Are Useless Talents?

Useless talents are those talents you can laugh about and make good icebreakers, but may not help you in any other areas of your life. A few good examples include being oddly good at recognizing fonts, recognizing a songbird just by its song, writing without looking or switching accents mid-conversation.

What Are Natural Talents Examples?

Some people have natural abilities that they are just born with, making them good at certain things. A few common examples of natural talents include being good at everything (like a handyman), talking to anyone easily, problem-solving fast, or generating ideas in the blink of an eye.

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?