The Power of Playing to Your Strengths

We all know that everyone is different. We each have our own unique set of skills, talents, and abilities. And yet, despite the knowledge, we often don't tap into our natural talents. We devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than developing our strengths. 

Why is this? There are a few reasons. First, it is relatively easy for people to describe their acquired expertise and knowledge. We can list the degrees we've earned, the jobs we've held, and the skills we've developed. But most of us struggle when asked to describe our natural talents. We find it much harder to identify those things we do quickly and effortlessly. Second, we live in a world that values expertise and knowledge more than talent or ability. And so, we spend our time and energy acquiring knowledge and understanding while our talents go untapped.  

But there is excellent power in playing to your strengths. When you focus on developing your talents and abilities, you will be more successful than if you focus on fixing your weaknesses. When you use your strengths to do what you do best daily, you will be more productive, engaged, and fulfilled. And when you surround yourself with people who complement your strengths, you will create a team that is more effective and more successful than one made up of people who share your weaknesses.

So how can you make sure you're playing to your strengths? Here are a few ideas:  

1. Take some time to reflect on what you do well. What comes naturally to you? What do others come to you for help with? What are you known for?
2. Could you identify the areas where you feel most energized and engaged? What are you passionate about? What gets you excited?
3. Consider your values and what is most important to you. How can you use your talents to align with your values?
4. Find ways to use your strengths every day. Structure your workday to begin with the tasks that play to your strengths. And look for opportunities to use your strengths in other areas of your life—volunteering, networking, relationships, etc.
5. Be sure to surround yourself with people who complement your strengths—people who have the expertise or knowledge in the areas where you are weak. 
   This will help create a well-rounded team that can accomplish great things together!

We all have unique talents and abilities—but all too often, those talents go untapped because we focus more on fixing our weaknesses than developing our strengths. I believe there is excellent power in playing to your strengths—using your natural talents to do what you do best every day!

When we focus on developing our talents and abilities, we are more successful than if we focus on fixing our weaknesses. And when we surround ourselves with people who complement our strengths—people who have the expertise or knowledge in the areas where we are weak—we create a well-rounded team that can accomplish great things together!

So ask yourself: Are you playing to your strengths? If not, what can you do today to start tapping into that hidden potential?