Today’s NaBloPoMo writing prompt states, “Everyone is an expert in something. Tell us three things you’re an expert in.” You know, I struggle with applying this claim to myself – even when it comes to expertise in silly things! – and suspect my issue might lie in the way I would define the word.
See, I have a very particular image in mind when I picture an expert.
- Someone who is the very best at what they do, better than anyone else.
- Someone who is able to do what they do perfectly, masterfully, flawlessly.
- Someone who is an authority on what they do, qualified to educate others.
By my definition, I am most definitely NOT an expert in anything! Really, I am more of a Jack of all trades, master of none – that is, according to Wikipedia, “a person that is competent with many skills, but is not necessarily outstanding in any particular one.” I dabble in a lot of things, and even work hard at some, but am certainly not the best (many, many others are FAR better than I), nor perfect (I make a LOT of mistakes), nor an authority (HA!).
No, my story is not one of expertise, but of a work in progress which (I suspect) will last for the rest of my life.
What do you think? Am I on track with the way I look at the word expert, or am I limiting myself by my definition?
How do you define an expert?
Please share!
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Twitter: BatteredHope
August 3, 2015
Like you, I am a Jack of all Trades but I also know I am an expert in a couple. So, not sure what that makes me.
Carol Graham recently posted… If You Quit, You’ll Never Know if You Would Have Made It
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
It’s a tough one, isn’t it?!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
You, by your own definition(s), are an expert in Laurel Regan. Furthermore, I believe Peter will agree with my assertion that you are an expert in him, as well. It is not for naught that we attend the school of life.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Well there you go! True enough. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: obsessivemom06
August 3, 2015
That’s exactly what I thought about myself when I read the title of your post. But when I look around me I see lots of people who are not as good at things as I am yet call themselves experts. I think it’s about individual perception. It also has something to do with the standards we set for ourselves. I think you’re quite an expert at zentangling.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Yes, I think perception and standards have a lot to do with it. Thank you for your kind words!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: kindmommy
August 3, 2015
You hit the nail on the head; I feel the same way that you do. It’s quite difficult to call myself an expert, even though I know I’m darn good at a bunch of things.. Just started blogging, so hopefully can call myself an expert at that in time.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Thank you for understanding! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
interesting ideas! I wonder if anyone truly is an expert in anything, but I said I was (relatively) expert in a few endeavors 😉 And a big “yes” to your work in progress graphic.
Leah recently posted… know: day 03 – (relative) expert
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: nabanita21
August 4, 2015
On the contrary, I think you are on the right path…The moment we start thinking we are experts is when we shall limit ourselves..As long as we are work in progress, we keep improving and I like that..I’m with you on that actually 🙂
nabanita recently posted… Beards, Sweaters & More… #MondayMusings
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
I think you’re right about that!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: travelcraftjrnl
August 4, 2015
I also struggle with feeling like I’m not an expert in anything. However, I do think your definition is a bit strict. Compared to someone who is just beginning, I’m sure you’re an expert in many things!
Stephanie (Travelcraft Journal) recently posted… DIY Quilling Tool
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
I suppose it’s all about perspective!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
August 4, 2015
I may be wrong, but I find it makes sense not to tout yourself as an expert in anything, because there’s always room to learn. W while you may not be an ‘expert’, you’re pretty darn good at a lot of stuff, Laurel! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Stand Because Sitting Will Kill You
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Why, thank you, Corinne! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: parul2411
August 4, 2015
I think you are an expert! I am the master of none and Jack of a few 🙂
But yes, working all along on this is what is important. Rest all falls into place.
Parul recently posted… #MicroblogMondays – Moon Watching
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
Thank you, Parul! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
Twitter: BoisterousGeets
August 4, 2015
O you are on the right track for sure.. As it is said, the road of success is always under-construction..! So to accept a few facts about ourselves and bring about regular changes as required can do wonders 🙂
Cheers
Geets recently posted… A Date with Myself!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
I think you’re right!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
You know, I struggle with it because am I the best at the penny whistle. Well, no. But I bring enthusiasm to it, and I probably play better than everyone else in my general vicinity. So I think I can count myself an expert. Would someone who plays in a band call me an expert? Probably not. But if I can teach what I know to someone else, I’m an expert.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 5, 2015
I like your explanation of it. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
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