Focus on your strengths is the challenge for today! We all have strengths, but what are they? According to dictionary.com, a strength is something regarded as being beneficial or a source of power. I think that is an interesting take on what our strengths are. So our strengths are things that are beneficial to ourselves or others. When we think of it that way, those personal traits that make us unique are indeed the strengths God has given us because they help us succeed in life.
Crystal’s Challenge For Today
This challenge is all about you. I want you take 10 minutes to brainstorm your innate gifts, talents and abilities. Think about what really lights you up, what people rave about or what you may even take for granted because it comes so easily for you. To get in flow, stand up and stretch, turn on some music if you like. Maybe even step outside for some fresh air.
Then, set a timer for 10 minutes (I use Online-Stopwatch.com or the timer on my Smartphone) and write down what you like, admire, and appreciate about yourself. If you get stuck, call a family member, friend or colleague and ask them to tell you your top three strengths. You DO have talents and gifts, you just may need a little help recognizing them.
This assignment was very difficult and telling to complete. When I tried to write down my strengths, all I could think of were weaknesses. I know all to well what I can’t do and what I’m not good at. Well after several minutes, I came up with the following list of things that I am good at. And the cool thing is that these traits are indeed things that are beneficial to myself but most importantly to others.
- mothering
- teaching
- writing
- solving problems
- cooking
- working with kids
- listening to others and encouraging them
- organizing people
- leading others
- reading and studying
- breaking down material and making it understandable
- loving my husband and family
- taking care of others
I have a feeling there are other things that I am good that and I don’t even know about them. There are probably things I can do that I have been afraid to try.
When I was younger, I thought creativity was the ability to draw, that’s it. Drawing is not one of my strengths. As a result, I thought I was not creative. But I have learned that drawing is a small part of creativity. I may not be able to draw but I can teach anything. So my creative outlet is teaching. I also love to make pretty salads and that is another creative outlet.
To go along with yesterday’s exercise on saying no, make sure you are doing the things you are good at and not trying to do things you are not good at. That may be one reason you are feeling frustrated. When my kids were homeschooling I always avoided activities that involved costumes. Having to come up with a costume is very stressful to me. But I love to work with kids and the logistics of the programs so I would go to all the practices and someone would take pity on me and would help me come up with a costume.
I encourage you to do this exercise and share it with someone.
