You’re special.
And I don’t mean that in a touchy feely way. Although if you feel like you need it, go ahead and take it that way.
But take it this way, as well:
You’re special. You’re not general.
You’re special in what you demand. You’re special in how you present yourself. You’ve had your share of ups and downs. And because of your special experience, you’ve gained special talents.
You are not a generalist, so stop thinking, acting, and broadcasting yourself that way.
You are a specialist.
Figure out what makes you special. And work to make it the primary selling point for your talents.
Because you generalists are downright boring. And there are millions of generalists.
There’s only one specialist with your talent.
More than a living 
You have hit it on the head. I think if everyone embedded this belief in their children…there would be some positive changes—with kids in general.
Great site
Stephanie
Great, great post. My career coach, JT O’Donnell, gave me some advice regarding this. We were discussing my “unique talents” and I claimed I didn’t have any (being good at database work, I insisted, was not a talent). She offered that what is special about most people is unknown to them because it seems so normal and natural to them… good perspective I think.
Rebecca,
Great point about the “invisibility” of your special talent. This is the same reason people have a problem charging for that “specialty.” It seems so natural, why would I charge for it?
Nice site..
Thank you very much!