3 Key Questions to Help You Identify Your Strengths
“What are your strengths?” is a question that often comes up in interviews, but is one we should really be asking ourselves. For many of us, it’s easier to focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths. Perhaps we question what we’re actually good at, or we simply can’t come up with anything. However, it’s really important to understand our strengths, especially when it comes to increasing our confidence levels. We all have unique gifts to offer the world, so let’s focus on how to identify and develop our strengths. Here are three key questions to ask yourself to help get started:
1. What are you doing when you’re most productive?
Determine the moments when you are the most productive. What are you doing and how do you feel? When using your strengths, time passes quickly because you’re genuinely enjoying what you’re doing. Think about what tasks and activities bring you enjoyment. Do you feel a great sense of satisfaction once you’ve completed them? Even if they seem trivial, write down anything that comes to mind. If your answers do not seem like “strengths,” ask yourself “what qualities helped me to achieve this?” This is a key step in identifying your strengths.
2. What do you enjoy discussing with others?
What excites you when having conversations with family and/or friends? Think back to memorable conversations you’ve had and jot down what you enjoyed most about them. Write down what parts of your personality stood out and how it made you feel. What were the topics of conversation and how did they energize you? Taking an inward look at discussions that sparked your interest will lead to knowing your strengths.
3. What would your friends and family say are your strengths?
It may sound uncomfortable, but asking friends and family to name a few of your strengths can be extremely useful. Sometimes we are blind to our own strengths. By asking others directly, you may discover unexpected qualities you never knew existed. Ask those who know you the best and identify patterns among the feedback you receive. Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised at what you hear.
By asking these three simple questions you’re on the path to determining where you have the most potential. Remember, identifying your strengths is a powerful way to build your confidence. Keep an open mind during the process, discover your strengths, and unleash more confidence.