Working Theorys

Working Theorys

Second Nature Skills

What can you do without trying that hard?

Anu
Aug 14, 2024
∙ Paid
69
5
5
Share
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Hunters in the Snow (Winter), 1565

Ever noticed how some things just come naturally to you, while other people have to try really hard at the same things? I call these “second nature skills.” You probably have more than one.

These aren’t necessarily the innate talents your parents could rattle off about you (though you can have a natural penchant for them). They aren’t always your most standout qualities or the ones you care the most about either (though they could be). Rather, they tend to be specific, often niche abilities you’ve uncovered over time, in practice, usually without realizing it.

The MacGyver of the Household

Over time I’ve stumbled across a bunch of these for myself.

Growing up, I was the MacGyver of the household (my parents would later say). I could make just about anything with tape and random junk from the junk drawer. I was also the go-to person for finding anything that went missing around the house. I had this uncanny ability to remember se…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Anu Atluru
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture