Name, Claim and Aim your strengths
Our talents help us understand who we are. They describe us, they influence our choices, they direct our actions, and they explain why we are better at some things than others; they help us filter our world. It is through our talents that we tap into our greatest potential for success.
That sounds easy, right? Yet, many of us don’t really understand what our true talents are. Most of us, when asked, would likely answer with a task-oriented function that we do well. It might be accounting, interviewing, selling, or working with people.
The StrengthsFinder assessment helps us to define, at a deeper level, themes like Positivity, Competition, Arranger, Maximizer, and 30 others. It allows us, then, to think about how those may or may not integrate into our daily tasks, or, better yet, how we might begin to make sure they integrate!
Our talents – when applied frequently and intentionally – become our strengths. A key definition of a strength, though, is NOT just what we do well. There might be many things we do well, but if they don’t bring us energy, passion, or drive, then we clearly don’t want to look for ways to do more of it.
We recommended a process promoted by Gallup to “Name it, claim it, and aim it!”
Name it
by taking the StrengthsFinder assessment.
Claim it
by reading the report, looking for the words that best define you (this is a theme – not all of the description will be perfect for you). Think about how you do this theme, and might be applying it either intentionally or without even thinking about it.
Aim it
by looking for ways you can intentionally apply your talents. The more you can use them, the happier and more productive you will be.
Don’t buy into it? Try it!
The biggest question we get is, if these are natural talents, then why do I need an action plan? Why do I have to intentionally apply them? The key, of course, is to maximize them. Take your YOU to the next level.
If you have a natural talent to play tennis, but you never play, will it be a strength? Of course not, nor will any sport if you don’t practice. The same is true with all of our talents! We have to practice them, be intentional, in order for them to become a true strength!
A person’s talents – thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that come naturally – are the source of his or her true potential and power. The better you understand and apply those dominant talents, the greater the potential to consistently act with confidence, direction and hope.
Go forth, and live strong!
If you could use some coaching on naming, claiming, and aiming your strengths, Purple Ink can help!
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This blog was originally posted at: Purple Ink LLC