We, as humans, are really, really good at identifying our weaknesses. They can seem glaring and can make you feel bad or embarrassed. We tend to think weaknesses are easier to improve than strengths. But studies show that when we focus on improving our strengths, they improve faster than when we try to improve our weaknesses. You’ll also be happier, more confident and less stressed.
So read on for 5 ways to identify (and improve) your strengths!
1) Crowdsourcing
Reaching out to people who know you, whether it’s from work, family, or friends, can be a great tool for finding out just what it is that you’re good at. Other people can see your strengths much clearer than you. Some will give good, clear answers while others may not. I mean, maybe your mom thinks you’re good at everything. The goal is to get a clearer idea of where your strengths are.
Reach out to 5-10 people and have them tell you what they think you’re doing right. What are some things you do that make others feel good? Once you have a few responses, see if there are any patterns. Do any of these things excite you? If so, they may be worth exploring.
2) Growth Mindset
Believing that your talents are innate gifts is what is called a fixed mindset. Thinking that if you just focus on what you’re good at, you won’t need to improve can actually be keeping you from improving. If you adopt a growth mindset (believing that your strengths can be improved) instead, you tend to put more effort into improving, which, in turn, helps you grow.
Focusing on your strengths instead of trying to improve on your weaknesses can help you grow faster and maybe even be happier.
3 ) Pay Attention
I know that sounds vague and a little bit silly. But being aware of things others say can be a great way to discover your strengths. Your boss had some criticism about how you should be more vocal? It may be because your feedback is valuable and they want more of it. Do you excel in an area that you aren’t particularly passionate about? That may be the universe nudging you in a different direction. Sometimes it’s as simple as paying attention.
Think back on times when you were given criticism or corrected at work. Check out things people have said or the way you made them feel. There is often a hidden strength buried within feedback.
4) What Energizes You
Sometimes we go about identifying our strengths (and weaknesses) in the wrong way. We think about what we’re good or bad at. A better way may be to identify what makes us feel strong and what makes us feel weak.
It is possible to be good at something that you really don’t like doing. Don’t focus on that strength. Focus on the things that energize you.
Does it make you feel successful? Are you drawn to it and don’t know why? Do you find yourself in a flow state while doing it? Do you simply feel good after completing the task? If you answered yes to these questions, congratulations. You just identified a strength.
5) A Career Coach
A large part of a career coach’s job is helping you discover your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your worth as a professional can give you insight during your job search process and confidence when it comes time to do things like nailing the interview or negotiating your salary. Having an outside perspective, and one who is trained to see the strengths in you and where you would best fit in a career is invaluable! If you’re still struggling, it may be time to hire a career coach!
Figuring out your strengths can allow you to pinpoint what you really want to do and what you’re really good at. If you’re still struggling with how to identify your strengths, and more importantly, how to convey them on your resume and speak to them in an interview, why not bring in the pros? Schedule your free consultation now! You can do so by clicking here. It’s time to start feeling confident and ready to attack that job search with your best (and strongest) foot forward!