This series of messages started in late February with True to You. In that message, I shared that many of us have not yet figured out who we are and our contribution to the world. Instead our head is full of “what other people think”. As you explore being True to You, you will find different tools are helpful at various times in the process. Here is another for your consideration.
Most of us find that we will undergo this introspective process of being True to You following a major life change event, such as my relocation to Tokyo, or perhaps losing a job or an important person in your life. Those are great times to do such work, when you feel open and vulnerable. Even when things are going swimmingly, there are ways to enhance our work and be better prepared for those times when the wheels fall off, and we know that they will.
A proclivity for each of us, and society as a whole, is to focus on those areas that aren’t as strong, i.e., our weaknesses. The study of Strengths-based Psychology began with the late Dr. Donald O. Clifton and was shared with the world in a usable fashion with Now, Discover Your Strengths, with Marcus Buckingham and continues with the most recent update Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. Each of these books contains access to an assessment that will identify your top 5 strengths.
Why is understanding your strengths so important? Have you ever heard the phrase “coming from a position of strength”? It is far more desirable to be coming from a strength rather than a weakness as you begin with confidence, aware of your capabilities. It allows you to focus your efforts where you know you can have the most impact. It helps you recognize why certain things are frustrating or extremely time consuming for you. Typically, these are not strengths. Ideally, you would “outsource” those things you are not strong in and focus your energy on the things you do best and where you add the most value.
Another great benefit of understanding your strengths is to confirm what you already knew. Yes, it is validation of what you intuitively felt and likely did not trust yourself enough to believe in. That’s where the voices in our heads, other people’s voices, can cause us to discount our value and ability to contribute. So get a copy of one of the books and get to know your own strength!