Unleash Your advantage
6 ways to discover your most valuable strengths and to utilize them for success
A few things dropped on my mind for you as I scribbled this newsletter.
1. God did not create a weakling. He didn't create a stooge or a perpetual prey. He gave every creation mechanisms of survival and defence. There's no single creation of God, man, plant, or animal that didn't have specific features that stands them out in the fauna or the flora. And that includes you. If you have not been able to find it, you're in the right place.
2. Imitation weakens and exposes our vulnerability. Whenever we venture into the style, behaviour, ambition, or career of another individual that has no similarity with our design, that journey will end in a state/condition called lost.
Lost is the state where we struggle to find meaning and connection with our activities. Every man that I know is invincible and almost unbeatable in his/her state. Whatever your state is, Fashion, communication, teaching, ministry, music, media, Finance, etc. Acknowledge it and make a place for yourself there.
I will share how you can discover your strength in a bit. But first,
What Are Strengths?
They are your traits, skills, and attributes that enable you to succeed. They are the features and components that make you succeed. They are the experience and the competence you've built over time that toughened your skin, sharpened your skills, broadened your heart, narrowed your focus, build your resilience, increased your wisdom, improve your sensitivity, broaden your worldview and energized your spirit, put food on your table, fund your wallet etc. It is everything that has made you and you can use as a tool of survival when situations and circumstances demand it.
Scribble that definition somewhere you won't forget it.
There are countless examples of seemingly weak or small animals that possess astonishing strength. These remarkable creatures serve as a testament to the hidden potential that lies within each one of us. Just like the mongoose fearlessly takes on venomous snakes, we too possess unique strengths bestowed upon us by God.
Consider the ant, a tiny insect that can carry objects many times its own weight. Despite its size, an ant's strength lies in its incredible determination and cooperative nature. Working together in large colonies, they accomplish feats that would be impossible for an individual ant alone. This showcases the power of unity and the strength that comes from a collective effort.
Another awe-inspiring example is the hummingbird, a delicate and diminutive bird that possesses extraordinary agility and endurance. These birds flap their wings at an astonishing rate, allowing them to hover in mid-air and manoeuvre with precision. Despite their small size, hummingbirds migrate incredible distances, showcasing their resilience and unwavering determination.
These examples remind us that strength is not solely determined by physical size or appearance. Instead, it is the unique qualities, abilities, and talents that lie within us that truly define our strength. Just as these small creatures possess extraordinary abilities, we too have been endowed with inherent strengths by a loving Creator.
It is through recognizing and harnessing these strengths that we can navigate the challenges of life and achieve success. By embracing our uniqueness and understanding that our strengths are divinely bestowed, we can tap into our full potential and make a meaningful impact in the world.
How can you discover your strength?
1. Reflect: Everything you are ever meant to do, the kind of business you were designed for, the assignment that fits your gifts and more is already in your experience and your wiring. It's in your past, in the project you have done. You have stumbled on a few of them before, you've done a bit of those things on a tiny scale in the past, and you can't remember until you reflect.
You did a lot of stuff as a child. You cut cards, painted, sold sand as a product, preached to empty air, sang to yourself, think about every single thing! Reflect on your accomplishments and activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.Identify those patterns, or themes that emerge as you retrace your steps. And try to focus on not only the activities you did but the traits and skills you utilized in those moments.
Finally on reflection, I remember that Steve Jobs famously said “You cannot connect the dots forward, you can only connect your dots backward”
2. Get Feedback from Others: People are pointers. They will help you to identify parts of your skills that get their attention particularly when you ask for it. There's a part of your deliverables at work that attracts compliments. Some of your friends wouldn't stop hailing you for a job well done or a task well delivered. People will respond. They probably have been responding and you were not paying attention, or you think it's too beautiful to be true. And in case you haven't heard them say it to your face, ask them. Ask your boss, friends, parents, and colleagues. Their insight will help you to identify areas you should focus more on.
3. Passion and Engagement: Your passion are the things you are naturally drawn to. Things that you love to do with enthusiasm and joy. They are not necessarily easy, but you find them easy to engage compared to other tasks. You can spend time doing it without thinking about the ticking of the clock. Pay attention. This may be your strength. I'm almost always ready to write or speak or teach. Yours could be an affinity towards numbers, business, design, home decor, fashion, etc These are cheat sheets you should explore no matter how old you are.
4. Seek new Experiences: Learn new skills, find new hobbies, engage in new activities. Do not be rigid or limited to what you've known before. Hobbies are a great way to discover new passions. It is also inexpensive because there's absolutely no pressure. Take volunteer activities that will make you meet new people and experience a new field. Sign up for online courses in art. Learn an instrument. Be adventurous. You have your whole life to keep branching out and evolving.
5. Assessments and Tests: Consider taking assessments or tests designed to identify strengths. There are various personality assessments and strengths-based assessments available, such as the High5test assessment or the VIA Character Strengths survey. These tools can provide insights into your natural talents and strengths.
6. Seek professional Guidance: If you feel stuck or overwhelmed in the process of self-discovery, consider working with a coach who specializes in helping individuals uncover their strengths. Send me a private message . I will be glad to work with you in your discovery journey. I will walk you through the process and help you to connect your dots.
Have a great week and breakthrough from within.
Abiola Iyiola
Creative Director,
AI Leadership Consult
