One of Hollywood's richest actresses has an unconventional advice for young people that has gone viral

Reese Witherspoon should be living proof that the advice “follow your dreams” works, writes Fortune Magazine, recalling that she is an Oscar-winning actress, runs a successful production company, has a net worth of more than 400 million dollars.

However, when a young woman recently asked him for career advice, the “Legally Blonde” star told her bluntly not to “run” after her dreams.

Instead of the usual “do what you love” speech, the Academy Award winner for her performance in 2005's “Walk the Line” revealed in a new Instagram clip that she advised the young woman to start being brutally honest about what she actually knows how to do well.

“Follow your talents, not your dreams,” advises Witherspoon, 49. At the same time, she warned that not knowing your talents is a big red flag.

The actress' message “took off” on Instagram

In the recording, which has garnered nearly half a million likes and more than 8,000 comments on Instagram, Witherspoon explained that the young woman she spoke to was unhappy with her job and was looking to make a career change. But when he asked her “what are your talents?”, there was a long pause. And this, Witherspoon says, is a big wake-up call.

“It's very, very important. You don't follow your dreams, you follow your talents. Everyone has dreams. That doesn't mean you're going to become that thing. You should do what suits you, what you do with talent,” emphasized Reese Witherspoon

It's everyone's responsibility, she said, to identify those skills that align with both their passions and money-making potential.

“It is your duty in life to discover what your specific, unique talents are and to pursue them,” the famous actress added.

As one psychologist commented on his recording, many people have difficulty seeing any talent in themselves. Here's the catch in Witherspoon's advice: Telling Gen Zers to “follow your talents” is only useful if they can actually identify what those talents are.

The problem with Witherspoon's viral advice

Kyle Elliott, a career coaching expert, told Fortune magazine that the first thing people need to do is not try to do this identification exercise solely in their own minds.

“Don't feel like you have to figure out your talents on your own,” he says, adding that he can always turn to family, friends and colleagues. “Ask them for concrete examples of your strengths and notice what common themes emerge. You may be surprised at the talents others see in you that you didn't recognize,” he added.

The same can be done about career. “Ask them what areas they would see you becoming successful in,” Elliott adds. “It's often easier for others to make these connections,” the expert points out.

Alternatively, for young people who have never worked yet or whose skills don't match their current career, Elliott suggests thinking back as far as childhood. What did they like then and at the same time do well?

“Remember the natural talents that others pointed out to you when you were younger, before you felt pressured to choose a career,” concludes the career expert.