How to Use Your Strengths to Get a Boost in Life
By Sandy Schroeder
We all have strengths and weaknesses, but when we understand our strengths and use them well, we have a better shot at succeeding wherever we are.
HarvardHealth took a look at this theory recently. They defined strengths as “built-in capacities for certain thoughts, feelings and behaviors.”
The unique pattern of strengths that you have make you who you are. They also give you quite an edge when you learn how to play from these strengths.
Think about who you are and what you do well. You may be any of these things.
- Very verbal
- Well coordinated
- Good with numbers
- Analytical
- Extremely persuasive
- Strong with technology
When an important meeting happens at work, you may be the one to provide the best analysis of sales results, or the strongest visuals. Or you may be the one that warms up the group and directs the flow of conversation using great communication skills to keep everyone focused and contributing. All of these skills are important, but knowing which ones are your strengths can help you find the best possible spots to be.
Identifying Your Strengths
Harvard professors suggest a positive attitude may help you identify your unique strong points and put them to work on a daily basis. You might start with questions like these.
- What makes you happy?
- What thrills you?
- Do you bounce back from adversity?
- Do you know how to live in the moment?
As you answer the questions you might see some patterns taking shape that suggest what you love to do, what you are good at, and how you handle daily challenges and opportunities.
Gaining a deeper understanding of who you are won’t happen over night, but it may emerge over time. As you go about your daily tasks at work and at home, see what pleases you and what bores you. Notice what you gravitate to or try to avoid. Those are all clues to who you are. Usually we are drawn to the things that we do well. I love words and am happy as a clam when I am weaving them together in articles, letters and conversations. On the other hand, I practically disappear when the focus turns to numbers or highly technical material.
You may be just the opposite, easily absorbing technical information and often looking for more. It’s all OK, just as long as we find the right spots for our activities. When we do, work may seem like play and we may look forward to every morning. On the other hand, if we stray into the wrong tasks, time may move slowly, and we may count the hours until the day is done. Do what it takes to pinpoint your strengths and focus on them wherever you are.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Saint Peters, Mo.