How to Advance Your Career
I had no idea being grateful was a “strength” but, according to my free VIA strengths character survey I sometimes use with my clients, it is one.
There's a link below if you want to see what areas you’re naturally strong in.
I recommend assessing yourself because purpose is closely linked to our gifts, our superpowers. But many of us are unclear on what those are exactly so our unique missions to fulfill here on earth are murky.
Our gifts go beyond being work-related. Oftentimes, they’re more abstract, yet just as powerful. And what’s common about superpowers is they come so easily to us that we often have no idea we possess them.
We think everyone is good at things that come natural for us. Things like organizing, planning, leading, listening, encouraging, multi-tasking, selling or collaborating. I’m just scratching the surface with these examples.
Based on the free survey mentioned, my top five strengths are:
I know these may seem abstract. But, identifying these attributes has helped me tap into them more and allowed me to be more productive and fulfilled.
However, even after my clients take this assessment, they remain unclear on how they can use the analysis to move toward their purpose. So it's important for us to talk through it.
The thing is when you’re able to use these superpowers consistently, you move into a state of “flow.” As an entrepreneur and career and purpose life coach, I’m intentional about using my strengths daily.
And looking back on my nearly 20-year career, I realize I've been most fulfilled when using these top five characteristics consistently (even though I may not have been aware of them).
It explains why I left jobs where my ideas were shut down and I wasn’t able to express my creativity. I had no idea at the time that’s why I felt the need to move on in my career.
Also, if I’m not learning, I get bored. If I’m not challenged or go into a “robot” mode where I’m just getting things done as told, I mentally tap out.
Knowing this would have been helpful.
It’s important to recognize these types of things about yourself so you can make decisions aligned with your purpose. And also so you can possibly repurpose your current job instead of going through the trouble of seeking a new one.
Sometimes we don’t necessarily need to switch jobs but, instead, to figure out how we can tap into our strengths and enter a state of flow. Or, that flow can be obtained outside of work until we are ready to take the next step in our careers or to start a business.
Here’s the link for the free VIA survey that highlights your top strengths.
A note of caution about the VIA survey: your bottom five attributes aren’t indicators that you’re “bad” in these areas, they’re just not your strengths. And that’s OK. We’re not supposed to be strong in all areas.
Figuring out even one of your purposes is hard. If you’re interested in gaining insight and living a more fulfilling life, let’s connect. Or, if you know someone who needs help figuring out their purpose, getting career clarity or pursuing their passion, share this with them.
There’s a few other assessments I use, and I also perform job history assessments that brings patterns and strengths to the forefront. This gives my clients much needed insight to move forward and uncover hidden talents.
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