There was a time when reflecting on my strengths seemed impossible.
It feels now as if I was on a mission to acknowledge all my flaws.
I didn’t have the awareness at the time, or the necessary tools to do something about it.
Even today, I still find it interesting that many of us become our own UNSOLICITED critics, constantly highlighting our shortcomings.
A wonderful story that has stayed with me for a long time is told by Margarita Tarragona, a positive psychologist from Mexico and author of the book Tu mejor Tú, which encourages you to emphasize the experiences that have strengthened your identity.
During her trip to Australia, a hub for Positive Psychology education and research, she visited St. Peters College, where she wandered through the hallways of a Primary School.
What captured her attention was the hangers in the hall where kids can leave their backpacks, jackets, etc.
There is a label next to each hanger that describes what they are great at. Imagine this – a visual tribute to their talents right alongside their names. Some were experts in pie-making, while others had mastered the art of biking.
How cool is that?
This narrative resonated with me deeply. Imagine waking up each day and the first thing you see is a reminder of your strengths.
It prompted me to ponder our role in consciousness – to emphasize what works instead of dwelling on what doesn’t.
Contrary to my previous belief that past experiences dictate strengths and that mistakes disqualify one from exploring them, I now realize we all possess a distinctive set of superpowers waiting to be unleashed.
Have you ever wondered how to discover yours?
As a positive psychology coach, my expertise lies in assisting clients in identifying and applying their strengths to enrich their daily lives.
How to Discover Your Strengths
Among the various methods to uncover strengths, my preferred tool is the VIA Strengths Character Finder, a very popular tool designed to identify an individual’s core character strengths.
Developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, the VIA (Values in Action) survey assesses 24 character strengths, such as kindness, creativity, perseverance, and love.
You complete a questionnaire that ranks these strengths, ultimately providing a personalized report highlighting their top strengths. The VIA promotes self-awareness, resilience, and personal development by encouraging you to leverage your unique strengths in various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal growth.
This free survey takes just 15 minutes to complete and provides a report of your top 5 strengths.
Like the approach at St. Peters College, I encourage you to jot them down on a post and place them on your mirror, laptop, or refrigerator. Just make sure you’ll see it every day.
This practical exercise will serve as a daily reminder of what you are great at so you can act on it, empowering you to overcome challenges and shape the day you desire.
It directs your attention to the tools within you to navigate workplace conflicts or achieve personal goals.
My top five strengths are…
Love, Perseverance, Hope, Gratitude, and Spirituality.
What are your top 5 strengths?
Image credits: Kampus Production
![What to do after your job sucked the life out of you [Interview with Liz Yim]](https://andreabahamondes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mlovewell-interview-by-andrea-bahamondes-400x250.jpg)
0 Comments