It goes without saying that we should play to our strengths, but often we major on our weaknesses, seeking to overcome them.
One of the most enlightening and confirming books I've read on the subject of capitalizing on your strengths is "Now, Discover Your Strengths," the best-selling book based on a huge research project by Gallup.
I've taken the Myers-Briggs test (one of my favorites) and others, but this one gets to the core of what we are truly excellent at.
The premise is: All of us have a core set of strenghts -- things we consistently excel at -- and we should therefore major on those things. These are also the areas you derive the most satisfaction from.
The authors tell us we should find opportunities that play to our strengths, that allow you to focus on the things you do excellently without much effort.
I found my top five strengths were:
Thinking through these strengths has helped me understand the way I operate better. For instance, as a "learner" I love digging into a new job and mastering it (what thye call going from "ignorance to competence"). But after I have done so, I get bored.
I think this has great implications for your writing and marketing your writing. My strengths of "Learner," "Maximizer" and "Intellection" play well together in that I love to learn about people and think how they have become excellent in what they do -- in particular how they go from good to great.
Here are some other links:
Amazon has the book for $18 ... it includes a serial number in the book cover for the online test. It takes about 40 minutes and you have a report ready for you at the end detailing your top five strengths.
If you buy it and take the test, please share your strengths with me!
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