{"id":1623,"date":"2019-12-25T18:13:34","date_gmt":"2019-12-25T18:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/yourmorningcupofinspiration\/?p=1623"},"modified":"2020-09-07T12:03:23","modified_gmt":"2020-09-07T12:03:23","slug":"finding-your-strengths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/yourmorningcupofinspiration\/2019\/12\/finding-your-strengths.html","title":{"rendered":"Finding Your Strengths"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"finding<\/a>
Photo Courtesy of Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finding your strengths can be difficult.\u00a0 For many of us, we struggle to identify what we do well.\u00a0 Yet it is so important for developing our self-esteem and confidence.<\/p>\n

Now, of course, most of us easily can identify our weaknesses.\u00a0 I certainly can.\u00a0 I can tell you exactly how many pounds I need to lose.\u00a0 If you take a good look at my face and neck, I can point out all my wrinkles.\u00a0 I can show you my resume and explain how I should be farther along in my career given my age and education.\u00a0 I even can tell you that my night vision is terrible.<\/p>\n

We are all so good at identifying our weaknesses.\u00a0 But identifying our strengths is harder.\u00a0 That is because we all are prone to being self-critical.\u00a0 However, knowing your strengths is important. \u00a0You don\u2019t need to know them for the purpose of feeling superior to others.\u00a0 Rather, you need to know them to have a proper level of confidence.<\/p>\n

When we can accurately assess our strengths and weaknesses, then we are able to be truly confident.\u00a0 But getting to that point requires reflecting honestly on who you are as a person.<\/p>\n

Below are some ways to find your strengths and realize what an amazing person you are!<\/p>\n

Do Certain Things Come Naturally to You?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you want to identify your strengths, start with those things that come naturally to you.\u00a0 Don\u2019t take those gifts for granted.\u00a0 Realize that what comes easily to you does not necessarily come easily to others.<\/p>\n

For instance, you may be able to add numbers in your head with ease.\u00a0 Lots of people cannot do that.\u00a0 That skill means that you have a mind for math.\u00a0 Or let\u2019s say that when you doodle, you create beautiful pictures or caricatures of people.\u00a0 Realize that most people can barely draw a stick figure.\u00a0 That means that you have an artistic bent.<\/p>\n

So often, we dismiss our natural talents with the mistaken belief that everyone can do what we can do.\u00a0 They can\u2019t!\u00a0 Acknowledge your natural talents for what they are \u2013 a gift from God.\u00a0 And make sure to be thankful for them.<\/p>\n

What Do Other People Appreciate about You?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your strengths also can be found in what other people appreciate about you.\u00a0 Consider the reasons that other people turn to you for help.\u00a0 That is a good indicator of some of your strengths.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u2019s say people turn to you for advice whenever they have a problem.\u00a0 That is an indicator that you are wise and have good judgment.\u00a0 Realize that folks would not come to you for advice unless they thought that you had something valuable to say.<\/p>\n

Or, if people turn to you when they are upset, that is a good indicator that you may be a good listener, or that you may be someone who is highly compassionate.\u00a0 Don\u2019t take those qualities for granted!\u00a0 Not everyone possesses those gifts.<\/p>\n

Very often my daughter turns to me for help when she has a lot to do and wants to know where to begin.\u00a0 At my church, I am asked to send out regular emails to keep families apprised of upcoming Sunday School events.\u00a0 People look to me for that kind of help because I am an organized person.<\/p>\n

By considering why people ask you for help, you can get a good sense of where some of your strengths may lie.\u00a0 People only seek help from those who they know have something exceptional to offer!<\/p>\n

What Do You Enjoy Doing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We tend to gravitate toward doing those things that we are good at.\u00a0 When you consider the activities you enjoy, you will find clues as to your personal strengths.<\/p>\n

For instance, I wish I was good at knitting.\u00a0 I have done various knitting projects, and each has been a disaster.\u00a0 And I haven\u2019t really enjoyed knitting because it doesn\u2019t come naturally to me. \u00a0So, I know that knitting is not my strength!<\/p>\n

By contrast, I enjoy writing.\u00a0 I can write for hours and not even realize that time has passed.\u00a0 It is truly something that I enjoy.\u00a0 As a result, I have learned that one of my strengths is writing.<\/p>\n

Think about what it is that you really like to do.\u00a0 Perhaps you enjoy decorating your home.\u00a0 That means that you are artistic.\u00a0 Or maybe you have fun managing your family\u2019s money.\u00a0 You like paying bills, keeping track of the bank accounts and making investments.\u00a0 If so, you know that you have a mind for finances.<\/p>\n

When you consider what you enjoy doing, you will find clues as to your strengths.\u00a0 Realize that not everyone enjoys what you enjoy!\u00a0 If you are good at cooking, realize that you have creative talents. \u00a0Not everyone likes to cook.\u00a0 Trust me!\u00a0 If you enjoy reading about the U.S. Civil War, that means you have a gift for the study of history.\u00a0 Not everyone does.<\/p>\n

Take the time to figure out what your strengths are.\u00a0 It is an incredibly helpful exercise.\u00a0 When you know your strengths, that can guide you as to what jobs you should pursue and what hobbies you should take up.\u00a0 And when we know our strengths (not just our weaknesses), we can feel good about the incredible person that God created us to be! (To read more about identifying your unique qualities and strengths, click here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Email: meerabelle@meerabelledey.com<\/strong><\/p>\n

To receive my free e-book, “The Confidence Course,” and my weekly newsletter go to meerabelledey.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Finding your strengths can be difficult.\u00a0 For many of us, we struggle to identify what we do well.\u00a0 Yet it is so important for developing our self-esteem and confidence. Now, of course, most of us easily can identify our weaknesses.\u00a0 I certainly can.\u00a0 I can tell you exactly how many pounds I need to lose.\u00a0…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":593,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nFinding Your Strengths - Your Morning Cup of Inspiration<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Finding your strengths is so important for our self-esteem. 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