Know your strengths — unlock your power

Why is it important for us to know and play on our strengths every day?

Every individual is different and we all function differently based on our personality and values. It is important to know ourselves and our capabilities and how we can play to our strengths every day.

What I found and was taught early on in my career was to write down all the things that you are good at (your strengths) and keep these as a close reminder or somewhere where you can see your list on a daily basis — some really successful people actually re-sight theirs to themselves every morning — this is a great affirmation tool to help you retain and remind yourself of these positive attributes.

Why should we know what our strengths are?

1. It can help us boost our confidence
2. We feel more fulfilled when using our strengths
3. Knowing your strengths can help you distinguish which line of field you would like to work in or work towards
4. Allows our work and tasks to flow easily
5. In a work environment, Teams that focus on strengths every day have 12.5% greater productivity. (Source: Gallup)

So how do we discover our strengths?

Discovering your strengths takes time and patience and for some doesn’t come straight away, but keep documenting and learn to become really self-aware.

1. Take note of what excites you during the day and what you enjoy
2. Ask trusted friends and family for feedback — it won’t harm you to get an outsiders perspective or opinion
3. Assess all the things you are good at and rate them out of 10
4. What qualities do you like in yourself?
5. What leaves you feeling energized?
6. Who are your role models and what strengths do you admire in them?

Should I focus on my strengths or work on my weaknesses?

Focusing on your strengths is about seeking opportunities instead of problems. Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus your energy on the things you are good at.

There is so much value in stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from others each day and opening your mind to new possibilities and opportunities.

Understanding your role in life and in your career helps towards creating your self-awareness. Once you are self-aware and know all your strengths and talents, its time to then dig deep and use them to help you hustle even harder each day. I have always been a firm believer that success follows passion as well as success follows hard work. Nothing can beat hard work if you put in the hours, practice and make time for the things you love doing the results will always follow.

By focusing on your strengths, you don’t have to change who you are, you just become more of who you are already.

“Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” — Lao Tzu

If you really want to perform at your best self and understand who you are and how you can positively show up, this book BEST SELF by Coach Mike Bayer — is a MUST read. I really enjoyed reading this book and there are so much practical takeaways that you can apply in your life right now.

KGYGT “Keep going — you got this!” 🤟🏻

Jamie

Hint—the cage is not locked, feel free to connect with me.