Personal Growth & Development : 5 Questions that Will Help You Maximize Your Strengths (and minimize your weaknesses)

For years I struggled with identifying my strengths. While it was always easy to define my weaknesses, getting clear on what I did really well was never as easy. Finally, I came across someone who offered me some invaluable advice on finding my strengths and I want to share that advice with you here.

1. What topics do you enjoy talking about?

The things that interest us are always the things that we seem to talk about nonstop. There’s a catch though, because if you talk incessantly about the things that bother you and your complaints…nothing I say here can help you. A negative attitude is destructive on many levels. However, if you do have something you’re passionate about, chances are you’re very good at whatever that is.

2. Is it ideas, things or people that get you really excited?

If you’re great at tinkering with things, chances are you’re a mechanical-type of person. You’ll want to find ways to do things with your hands to help you grow personally. If you’re a people person, than your journey of personal growth will usually involve other people. If ideas get you most excited, you might enjoy writing or researching. By involving the things that excite you in your formula of personal growth, you’ll stand a greater chance of having some real breakthroughs.

3. What is it that you enjoy most about what you’re doing today?

The truth is, if we do not love what we’re doing, chances are we won’t find true success by doing them. Identify what it is you most enjoy doing and…do more of it. Find ways to incorporate the things you love with the things that feel more like chores.

4. Who do you know, or can locate, who does all the things that interest you?

It’s so simple, but so many of us never think to do it. If you know of someone who’s doing all the things that interest you, give them a call. Ask them how they got into what they’re doing and if they have any advice for you moving forward.

5. Who will you find to mentor you in the future?
As we grow personally, so do our mentoring needs change. Finding a good mentor is a major key to success in any business. Mentors can open up new possibilities and new ideas and get you excited and inspired about your future.

So what are some of your weaknesses and strengths? How do you approach personal growth & development?

“Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” ~Doug Firebaugh