The world is full of everyday heroes if we only take the time to look. There are people who make the headlines and people behind the scenes who, quietly and methodically, make a difference in the lives of others.

You’ll find some of those everyday heroes at a school in Long Island, New York. For decades, Woodward Children’s Center has served students with special needs. Their dedicated leaders and educators bring unique approaches to learning and equipping students for life. They use their special strengths, applied to special needs, to help their students become contributing members of society.

Did you know you could be an everyday hero to someone as well?

The holiday season is a great time to reflect and assess your strengths.

• For some, speaking out for a cause is their strength. Show them a need, and they will take swift action.
• For others, organizing events and fundraisers is a strength. Connecting with those in need and those who can help them is their zone of genius.
• Some couldn’t even think of speaking on stage, but they excel at making things happen smoothly behind the scenes.
• And others bring wisdom, efficiency, and focused dedication to a cause.

People tend to underestimate their own ability to make a difference, very often because they think they need to be like someone else in order to do so. But here’s the key to being an everyday hero: know your strengths and use them to serve others.

Like those educators and leaders at Woodward, you can bring your special strengths to meet special needs, wherever you are.

Here is the everyday hero test. It’s just two questions.

1. What are my strengths?
2. How can I serve?

Just as the world is full of everyday heroes if we only take the time to look – it also full of those who need you to be theirs.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.