One of my greatest joys in life is to help people find their “AHA!” moment – that moment when they realize, maybe for the first time ever, what their true strengths are. The fact is, it is hard for us to see our own strengths. Others often can see them better than we can. That’s human nature.

Many spend years stumbling around in the direction of their strengths, and not really getting anywhere; but something magical happens when strengths are identified and targeted action is taken based on them.

Do you wonder what YOUR real strengths are? Here are some good indicators.

Simplicity. Work doesn’t feel like work because it comes easy to you. If you have ever heard the comment, “I don’t know how you did that!” for something you thought was easy, it is a good indicator that it is a strength unique to you.

Time. If you find yourself looking at the clock and suddenly realizing that 12 hours have passed and you forgot to eat, you are operating in your strengths zone.

Respect. What do people respect you for? What questions do they ask you? The next time someone says, “I’d like to get your opinion on ____,” that blank is very likely related to an area of strength for you. Is it about dealing with people, quality, analysis, creativity, detail, or leadership? These are areas of strength.

Energy. Have you ever noticed that some people are drained when they do what you do, but you actually gain energy from it? Or that you have more energy when you’re doing a certain task than you had before you started?  It is because you are tapping into your strengths.

Notoriety. What are you known for? Are you the person who gets things done? Are you the life of the party or the leader of pack? Are you the detailer? The monikers imposed on you can be strength labels.

Giving. What is it that you “give” when the opportunity presents itself? Do you give…advice, direction, encouragement, analysis, guidance, creative gifts, help, or resolutions to problems? Where do you instinctively step up to the plate to deliver? Gifts are strengths.

Training. Have you ever been asked to coach a baseball team or lead a team on a corporate project? The leadership roles you are either drawn to or appointed to can be great strength indicators. If you are an introvert but are asked to lead in a certain area, it is definitely an area of strength for you. It may not feel natural to lead, but if you are leading in an area of strength, you are well qualified to do the job.

Highlights. Think back to the highlights of your life – the things you enjoyed, the times you received recognition, the special times you remember. What were you doing? What made those times so special? These can be little things or big things. Write out those stories in detail and study them carefully. You will see patterns of your strengths in action.

Success. We usually define success as having money to do what we’d like to do. If you are operating in your strengths, the work will come, and the income will follow. If you’re having a hard time making ends meet, you may be working outside your strengths zone.

If you have additional questions about finding and working in your strengths and how doing so could affect your life for the better, email me. I would love to hear your story and help you if I can. We have some amazing tools to help you pinpoint exactly who you are and how you can maximize your given strengths.