What if life fell into neat categories of ability. What if Aces were recognized as the pinnacle of ability in any one thing–but just that one thing? What if Kings and Queens were the lesser form of that Ace level of ability? Would Jacks then be as the saying goes, skillful in all things?
Charlene Dargay writes in Qoura, ““A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.” She goes on to suggest that the term has become more derogatory in this era where we view singular mastery as a key goal vs. being skillful in all things. In my own life that argument resonates more and more as I continue to recognize that I am a Jack vs. a King or an Ace. Then again, there is a second argument in place here: What about Jokers?
In this line of vernacular I suggest a Joker is much like a Jack, but if they choose to doggedly focus on one particular area, they become as skilled as an Ace. This then leaves the rest of the skillset to wane as though they were indeed an Ace in one area. Yet, once they release focus, they can become something else entirely.
Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about my coaching life and how close to the end of that stage I actually am. I’ve never given full focus to the cause and I don’t feel the need to at this point. In truth, I have a sense that I could have been very good at that had I chosen that path. Likewise, if I actually executed Butt In Chair, my writing ability would flower dramatically. Therefore, it is possible that I am not a Jack but instead a Joker who, in his inability to seize one thing has fallen to the common ranks of a number card.
I believe it is within reason and ability to rise back up; to ascend the ladder of talent and, with the proper application of time, be really good at what I do. What I choose to do is write. I just need to do it.