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Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses

We live in a society focused on imperfection and on what we can do to "be better." We hear messages of lack and limitation from an early age. As a result, most of us don't really know our own talents and strengths. As Ernest Holmes, the founder of Science of Mind, put it, "For the most part, we have too low an opinion of ourselves." To live a balanced, joyful and prosperous life, we need to be aware of both our strengths and our weaknesses.

  1. Reflection

    • In 2001, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton published "Now, Discover Your Strengths," which encourages people to build up their strengths, rather than eliminate their weaknesses. The book, which includes a strengths assessment, has been used by corporations and organizations to help build employee confidence and increase effectiveness. It all points toward the question that is often asked in job interviews: "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" There are a number of personality tests, such as the Meyers-Briggs assessment, than can help you answer this question. But the best thing you can do is spend some time in self-reflection.

    Past Accomplishments

    • One way to identify strengths is to look back over your life and think about key moments -- when you did something you were proud of, persevered and reached a goal, made a difference in someone's life. We all have these moments in our lives, and they are different for each of us. Pick one or two of these pivotal moments and identify the traits and qualities you demonstrated. You will identify many of your greatest strengths this way.

    12 Step Work

    • If you haven't ever been in a 12-step group -- and even if you don't suffer from an addiction -- consider working the steps that form the basis of these programs. In the steps, you take a personal inventory of your good qualities and your character defects. Working the steps is a very humbling process that allows you to really see yourself, for better or for worse, and to do continue to do so on a daily basis.

    Get Feedback

    • If you have trouble identifying your strengths and weaknesses, try the following: Ask five family members or close friends -- people who love you and want the best for you -- what they think are your strongest points as well as the areas in which you could use some work. Ask them to be completely honest and be willing and open to hearing their feedback. You may be surprised at what you hear.

    Benefits

    • Having a balanced view of ourselves can help us live in the world more effectively, more productively, and more happily. If we know what we're good at and not so good at, we can know how to best use our time and energy and direct our efforts toward those activities that will best serve us and others.

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