The coolest thing about the work I do is that my vision and purpose align with my
strengths and passion. The vision that pulls me forward is to provide tools, knowledge and support to those who want to create a greater version of life. To do this, I need to reach as many people as possible through speaking, writing, coaching and team building. My Maximizer strength leads and is all about becoming greater. Strategic allows me to discover the different ways people learn and connect. Positivity brings the ability to recognize progress and celebrate success. Futuristic lights the way allowing a preview of how things can play out years ahead. Woo is the influence to help others see, feel and believe what I do. With this alignment comes the continual search for ways to enhance the value I bring to clients and I get to grow in the process. What a win-win!
Those familiar with the CliftonStrengths® Assesment and identification of talents will recognize my Top 5 in the paragraph above. Begin aligning your life by taking the CliftonStrengths® assessment and exploring your Top 5 strengths.
Knowledge of your Top 5 strengths themes will increase your confidence and highlight ways you can drive what you control. The Action Plan report on the Gallup Strengths Center website allows you to create a customized action plan. You can do this all on your own by reading the books, recording your learnings and putting them into action. It will take you a long time. Work with a certified coach to shorten the learning curve and enhance your understanding.
Among the many things you will learn is that strengths are defined as the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance. That strengths derive from talent which is a natural way of thinking, feeling or behaving. Add to this the investment of time spent practicing, developing, and refining your talents and you have a Strength.
The formula looks like this:
TALENT x INVESTMENT = STRENGTH
Developing Strengths can be a challenge as our human tendency is to focus on the things we don’t do well. For example, that one “C” on the report card or “did not meet expectations” in the performance review. While criticism and negative remarks are tough to take, they can help reveal what we do really well. You cannot be all things to all people or great at every aspect that your work requires. Top performers know that in order to succeed their energies must be focused on what they do best.
What do you do best? I challenge you to find out. For less than the cost of a good lunch, you can begin to chart your own course.