How to Find Your Strengths and Use Them for Your Career Success

Do you know what your strengths are? Do you know how to use them to achieve your career goals? If not, you are missing out on a great opportunity to maximize your potential and enjoy your work.

Knowing your strengths is not only important for your personal growth, but also for your professional success. Strengths are the natural talents, abilities, and qualities that make you unique and effective. They are the things that you do well, enjoy doing, and feel energized by.

When you use your strengths in your career, you are more likely to:

• Perform better and achieve higher results
• Feel more engaged and motivated
• Experience more satisfaction and fulfillment
• Develop faster and learn easier
• Contribute more value and make a positive impact

In this blog post, we will show you how to find your strengths and use them for your career success. We will cover the following topics:

• Understanding strengths
• Self-reflection
• Feedback from others
• Strengths assessment tools
• Leveraging strengths in your career
• Overcoming weaknesses

By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of what your strengths are and how to apply them in your career. This can help you overcome your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

Understanding Strengths

Before you can find your strengths, you need to understand what they are and how they differ from skills. Strengths are not the same as skills. Skills are the things that you learn and develop through training, education, and experience. Strengths are the things that you are born with and naturally good at.

For example, you may have learned how to use a software program or speak a foreign language. These are skills that you acquired through education or practice. However, you may also have a talent for creativity, communication, or problem-solving. These are strengths that you have always had and that come easily to you.

Strengths are important in a career context because they are the foundation of your performance and potential. When you use your strengths, you are more likely to excel at your work and enjoy it. You are also more likely to find a career that suits your personality and preferences.

Some examples of common strengths are:

• Analytical: You are good at collecting, organizing, and interpreting data. You have a logical and rational mind and enjoy solving problems.
• Creative: You are good at generating new and original ideas. You have a vivid imagination and enjoy expressing yourself in various ways.
• Interpersonal: You are good at building and maintaining relationships. You have a warm and friendly personality and enjoy working with people.
• Leadership: You are good at influencing and inspiring others. You have a clear vision and direction and enjoy taking charge and making decisions.
• Organizational: You are good at planning and executing tasks. You have a high attention to detail and enjoy creating order and structure.

These are just some examples of strengths. There are many more, and each person has a unique combination of strengths that make them who they are. The key is to identify your own strengths and use them to your advantage.

Self-Reflection

One of the best ways to find your strengths is to reflect on your past experiences. By looking back at your life, you can discover the patterns of behavior and thought that reveal your strengths. You can also recall the moments when you felt most alive, engaged, and fulfilled.

To reflect on your past experiences, you can ask yourself questions such as:

• What are the things that you are most proud of?
• What are the things that you enjoy doing the most?
• What are the things that you learn quickly and easily?
• What are the things that you receive compliments or recognition for?
• What are the things that you would do even if you were not paid for them?

By answering these questions, you can identify the themes and commonalities that indicate your strengths. You can also use examples and stories to illustrate your strengths and how you used them in different situations.

For example, you may realize that you are proud of the projects that you initiated and led, that you enjoy creating and presenting new ideas, that you learn new languages easily, that you receive praise for your communication skills, and that you would write or speak even if you were not paid for it. These clues suggest that you have strengths in creativity, leadership, and communication.

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for finding your strengths, but it is not enough. You also need to get feedback from others to validate and complement your self-assessment.

Feedback from Others

Another way to find your strengths is to get feedback from others. Feedback from others can help you validate and complement your self-reflection. It can also help you discover strengths that you may not be aware of or that you may take for granted.

To get feedback you can ask people who know you well and who have seen you in different contexts. These can be your family, friends, colleagues, mentors, or anyone else who can give you honest and constructive feedback. You can also use online platforms or apps that allow you to get anonymous feedback from strangers.

To ask for feedback effectively, you can use questions such as:

• What are the things that you admire or appreciate about me?
• What are the things that you think I do well or excel at?
• What are the things that you think make me stand out or unique?
• What are the things that you think I should do more of or pursue further?

By asking these questions, you can get insights into your strengths from different perspectives. You can also use examples and stories to illustrate your strengths and how you used them in different situations.

For example, you may receive feedback that you are admired for your courage and resilience, that you do well in handling stress and challenges, that you stand out for your optimism and positivity, and that you should do more of sharing your experiences and inspiring others. These clues suggest that you have strengths in courage, resilience, optimism, and inspiration.

Feedback from others is a valuable tool for finding your strengths, but it is not enough. You also need to use strengths assessment tools to measure and quantify your strengths.

Strengths Assessment Tools

Another way to find your strengths is to use strengths assessment tools. Strengths assessment tools are online tests or quizzes that measure and quantify your strengths. They can help you confirm and complement your self-reflection and feedback from others. They can also help you discover new or hidden strengths that you may not have considered.

There are various strengths assessment tools available online. Some of them are free, while others require a fee or a subscription. Some of them are based on scientific research, while others are more informal or subjective. Some of them are general, while others are specific to certain domains or contexts.

Some of the benefits of using strengths assessment tools are:

• They can provide you with a clear and objective report of your strengths.
• They can help you compare and contrast your strengths with others.
• They can help you identify your dominant, supporting, and lesser strengths.
• They can help you understand how your strengths relate to each other and to your personality.

Some of the limitations of using strengths assessment tools are:

• They may not capture the full complexity and diversity of your strengths.
• They may not reflect the changes and growth of your strengths over time.
• They may not account for the situational and environmental factors that influence your strengths.
• They may not provide enough guidance on how to use your strengths effectively.

To use strengths assessment tools effectively, you need to:

• Choose the tools that suit your needs and preferences.
• Follow the instructions and answer the questions honestly and accurately.
• Review the results and interpret them critically and constructively.
• Use the results as a starting point, not an end point, for your strengths journey.

Some of the reputable strengths assessment tools that you can use are:

• StrengthsFinder 2.0: This is a popular and widely used tool that helps you discover your top five strengths out of 34 possible themes. It is based on the research of Gallup, a global leader in strengths psychology. It requires a purchase of a book or an access code to take the test.
• VIA Character Strengths Survey: This is a free and comprehensive tool that helps you discover your 24 character strengths in order of preference. It is based on the research of positive psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on human flourishing. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the survey.
• CliftonStrengths for Students: This is a tool designed specifically for students who want to discover and develop their strengths for academic and career success. It helps you discover your top five strengths out of 34 possible themes, similar to StrengthsFinder 2.0. It requires a purchase of an access code to take the test.
• High5 Test: This is a free and simple tool that helps you discover your top five strengths out of 20 possible categories. It is based on the research of positive organizational psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on workplace well-being. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the test.

These are just some examples of strengths assessment tools. There are many more, and you can explore them online or ask for recommendations from others. The key is to use the tools that work best for you and that help you find your strengths.

Strengths assessment tools are a useful tool for finding your strengths, but they are not enough. You also need to leverage your strengths in your career and overcome your weaknesses.

Leveraging Strengths in Your Career

Once you have found your strengths, you need to leverage them in your career. Leveraging your strengths means using them to achieve your career goals and to create value for yourself and others. Leveraging your strengths also means finding a career that matches your strengths and that allows you to use them fully and frequently.

To leverage your strengths in your career, you can:

• Apply your strengths in your current job. Look for opportunities to use your strengths in your daily tasks, projects, and interactions. Volunteer for assignments or roles that require your strengths. For example, if you have a strength in communication, you can offer to write reports, give presentations, or lead meetings.
• Communicate your strengths in your job applications and interviews. Highlight your strengths in your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Showcase your strengths in your interviews by using examples and stories to demonstrate how you used them in different situations. For example, if you have a strength in creativity, you can share how you came up with a new idea or solution for a problem.
• Plan your career based on your strengths. Use your strengths as a guide to choose your career path, goals, and direction. You can also use your strengths as a criterion to evaluate your career options and opportunities. For example, if you have a strength in leadership, you can pursue a career that involves managing, leading, or influencing others.

To leverage your strengths in your career, you can also use a “strengths-based approach” to career planning. A strengths-based approach is a method of career planning that focuses on identifying and developing your strengths, rather than fixing your weaknesses. A strengths-based approach can help you:

• Discover your passion and purpose. By using your strengths, you can find out what you love to do and what you are meant to do. You can also align your strengths with your values and interests.
• Enhance your performance and productivity. When utilizing your strengths, you can improve your quality and quantity of work. Thus you can achieve higher results and outcomes.
• Increase your engagement and motivation. Tapping into your strengths, you can enjoy your work more and feel more energized and enthusiastic. You can also overcome challenges and setbacks more easily.
• Boost your confidence and self-esteem. By using your strengths, you can recognize and appreciate your worth and potential. You can also overcome your doubts and fears more easily.

To use a strengths-based approach to career planning, you can follow these steps:

• Identify your strengths. You can use the methods and tools that we discussed in the previous sections to find your strengths.
• Develop your strengths. Access various strategies and resources to enhance and expand your strengths. For example, you can read books, take courses, attend workshops, or find mentors that can help you grow your strengths.
• Use your strengths. Use the tips and examples that we discussed in this section to apply your strengths in your career. Look for feedback and recognition that can reinforce and reward your strengths.
• Review your strengths. You can periodically evaluate and update your strengths. You can also monitor and measure your progress and achievements that are related to your strengths.

Leveraging your strengths in your career is a smart and effective way to achieve career success. However, it does not mean that you should ignore or neglect your weaknesses. You also need to overcome your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

Overcoming Weaknesses

Finding and leveraging your strengths does not mean that you should ignore or neglect your weaknesses. Weaknesses are the things that you are not good at, do not enjoy doing, or feel drained by. Weaknesses can limit your performance and potential, and cause you stress and frustration.

However, weaknesses are not fixed or permanent. You can overcome your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Overcoming your weaknesses means improving your areas of weakness, or finding ways to compensate or minimize them.

To overcome your weaknesses, you can:

• Acknowledge your weaknesses. You can use the methods and tools that we discussed in the previous sections to find your weaknesses. Ask for feedback from others to identify your weaknesses. You need to be honest and realistic about your weaknesses, and accept them as part of who you are.
• Address your weaknesses. Use strategies and resources to improve your areas of weakness. For example, you can read books, take courses, attend workshops, or find mentors that can help you learn and develop new skills or abilities. Practice and apply your new skills or abilities in your work or life.
• Avoid your weaknesses. Use your strengths to compensate or minimize your weaknesses. For example, you can delegate or outsource tasks that require your weaknesses to others who have strengths in those areas. Focus on tasks that require your strengths and avoid tasks that require your weaknesses.
• Appreciate your weaknesses. You can use your weaknesses as opportunities for growth and learning. You can also use your weaknesses as sources of motivation and challenge. Try to use your weaknesses as ways to connect and empathize with others who have similar or different weaknesses.

To overcome your weaknesses, you can also use a “growth mindset” approach. A growth mindset is a belief that your abilities and qualities can be changed and improved through effort and learning. A growth mindset can help you:

• Embrace your weaknesses as part of your identity and potential. You can see your weaknesses as areas that you can improve and develop, rather than as flaws that you need to hide or deny.
• Learn from your weaknesses and failures. See your weaknesses and failures as feedback and lessons, rather than as setbacks and threats. Use your weaknesses and failures as sources of inspiration and innovation.
• Challenge yourself to overcome your weaknesses. Set realistic and specific goals for yourself to improve your areas of weakness. Seek out opportunities and experiences that challenge you to use your weaknesses and learn new skills or abilities.

To use a growth mindset approach to overcome your weaknesses, you can follow these steps:

• Identify your weaknesses. Use the methods and tools that we discussed in the previous sections to find your weaknesses.
• Change your mindset. You can use positive affirmations, self-talk, and visualization to change your beliefs and attitudes about your weaknesses. Seek out role models, mentors, and peers who have a growth mindset and who can support and encourage you.
• Take action. Use the tips and examples that we discussed in this section to address, avoid, or appreciate your weaknesses. Monitor and measure your progress and achievements that are related to your weaknesses.

Overcoming your weaknesses is a challenging and rewarding process that can help you achieve career success. However, it does not mean that you should focus only on your weaknesses. You also need to balance your strengths and weaknesses and use them in harmony.

In this blog post, we have shown you how to find your strengths and use them for your career success. We have covered the following topics:

• Understanding strengths
• Self-reflection
• Feedback from others
• Strengths assessment tools
• Leveraging strengths in your career
• Overcoming weaknesses

By following the methods and tips that we have shared, you can discover and develop your strengths, and apply them in your career. You can also overcome your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. By doing so, you can achieve the following benefits:

• You can discover your passion and purpose.
• You can enhance your performance and productivity.
• You can increase your engagement and motivation.
• You can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
• You can create value and make a positive impact.

Finding and using your strengths is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. You need to constantly explore, experiment, and evaluate your strengths and how they relate to your career and life. You also need to balance your strengths and weaknesses and use them in harmony.

We hope that this blog post has inspired and empowered you to start your strengths journey. We encourage you to take the first step and find your strengths today. You can use the methods and tools that we have discussed, or you can use your own methods and tools. The important thing is to take action and find your strengths.

Remember, you have unique and valuable strengths that make you who you are and that can help you achieve your career goals. You just need to find them and use them. So, what are you waiting for? Find your strengths and use them for your career success today!