Stop Obsessing Over What You're Not!

First off, let me say I'm all for self-improvement. We all want to learn new things and better ourselves. What I'm not for?

Ruminating on what we're not good at.

Comparing ourselves to others and feeling we don't measure

up.

Wasting valuable time and energy wishing we're someone

we're not.

Devaluing our strengths, thinking they're something everyone

else can do.

Do any of these ring true for you? If so, there's a solution...

Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses. –Marilyn vos Savent

When you operate from your areas of strength, good things happen! You're more confident. You're better equipped to help others. Life is easier and richer.

Identify Your Strengths

Not sure you have an accurate picture of what your strength are? Think about what your family and friends come to you for help with.

Do they call you when they need to brainstorm? Chances are

good that creativity and problem-solving are your strong suit.

Are they eager for you to help them pack up to move? Bet

you're organized.

Are you the one people call when they just need to vent?

You're probably compassionate, open, encouraging.

You get the idea. Focus on your character traits -- as opposed to traditional skills-- because traits tend to be inherent while skills are typically learned.

Leverage Your Strengths

Once you've established your key strengths, use them!

If you're creative, take a class in an area you've never pursued

before (painting, photography, sculpting, acting?)

If you're generous, look for new ways to give in your

community.

If you're persuasive, lobby for a cause you care about.

Sometimes my clients are dissatisfied at work because their greatest strengths aren't being employed. If this is true for you, brainstorm ways to use your strengths in your current role or consider seeking another position that leverages them better. Studies show that employees who use their strengths regularly at work are more engaged and happier.

I'd love to hear from you.

What strengths did you identify?

How are you going to exercise them in new ways?