One-Trick Pony

Are you a one-trick pony? According to the Oxford dictionary, a one-trick pony is a person or thing with only one special feature, talent, or area of expertise. I was speaking with my fiancée this week, and the term came up in conversation. It stuck with me throughout the week, and I began to ruminate on the meaning; the truth is that many people are experts in one area for various reasons. Some want to do the same thing out of comfort, others out of fear, and some for ego. When I say ego, somewhere in their mind, they may think that being an expert in something will provide longevity or security. The truth is it does not, nor does time or tenure.

The one thing in life that is certain is change and it is up to us if we choose to evolve or not. Then, naturally, when change happens, it bleeds into survival of the fittest, which may be based on skill set. Sometimes it is whom you know; sometimes, it’s a random selection, and most times, it is timing.

I was listening to an older T.D. Jake’s sermon that discussed the importance of timing, and he said that if the owner of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) began his business today, he would not have been as successful. When he rolled out the concept of having a full homestyle meal, it was when women began to work, and there was a need to replace the domestic dynamic. Over time KFC, like most food places, had to diversify its options to stay relevant. We all must do the same; a one-trick pony is good for the moment but does not serve high values over time.

So, what’s the point? Glad you asked; the fact is that we must all figure out ways to stretch ourselves, grow and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is a delicate balance because you can easily overdo it. It is a fine line between a one-trick pony, the jack of all trades, and the master of none. The most advantageous place to be is when you are considered an “all-rounder,” someone with vast skills and practical knowledge. The call to action is to broaden your horizons; you never know what you are capable of until you try; here are a couple of tips to get you going:

1.?????Start a plan - Write a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) or SOAR (strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results) analysis; it is a great way to identify where you are and where you wish to be. As brilliant as humans are, we still do not remember everything; writing gets what’s inside your head out on paper and provides details that you can use to plan your next moves strategically. There are various sites available to create a template that you can use; I like the short article from Forbes: How to conduct a personal SWOT analysis. Once your analysis is complete, set your goals and get after it.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

2.?????Be time conscious – You must be mindful of what and to whom you give your time. Yes, you may scroll through social media, and spending time with friends is okay for the social aspect but you are exchanging that time. However, you must utilize your time wisely to seize the day and accomplish your goals and deadlines. Time management is a main ingredient in success, be sure to use resources like Siri, Alexa, Outlook, and your calendar. Lastly, know when to leave: a conversation, a job, a relationship, or an event. Time is a non-renewing source; once it’s gone, it’s gone.

“Time is……the most valuable and perishable of all our possessions.” ~John Randolph

3.?????Go for it – An all-rounder tries different opportunities, from reading new books, attending conferences, accepting a different position, or learning a new language. Every expert was once a novice; you must give everything or nothing. If you deposit twenty, you cannot take out one hundred. It would be best to accept that you will fail; that is okay. Fail fast and often; this is proof that you are trying. And when you do fail, learn from the lesson and move forward.

“Decide what you want; decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and get to work.” ~H.L. Hunt

In closing, whether you are a one-trick pony, a jack of all trades and master of none, or an all-rounder, be open to new things and events. Life experiences are valuable and not monolithic; you grow when you step outside your perspectives and views. In addition, learning someone else’s way of doing tasks and listening to their stories builds relationships and can create long-standing bonds. So make magic happen, and go for it!