Sometimes exploring and extolling our own contribution to the world can feel awkward. “I’m so awesome because…” is not a line we are trained to use.
But, as Step 6 of the 9 Steps to Life Change through your StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths will show you, understanding exactly what you bring to the world is an essential mindset—and one that might not have to be as awkward as you think.
Several days ago, a dear friend of mine confided her struggle with settling in a new home, a new town, and a new place in life. She faces a huge life and career transition, and for as much as her heart desires it and her mind can conceive of it, the settling has not yet happened.
During the course of our conversation, which was rich with insight and candid reflection, one thing she said stands out as particularly poignant to me. “Exploring internally and emphasizing myself seems so selfish.”
No doubt this sentiment comes from her deep and palpable talents in Empathy, Connectedness, and Belief–that have woven her life to face outward, for the sake of others, driven by strong values and faith.
So, to turn the focus back on herself seemed awkward and perhaps even unwise.
Yet, in order to face the transition and uncertainty and unsettling, that is exactly what she must do. What is most fantastic, in the end, it will not only set her back on a path of energy, purpose, and fulfillment for herself, it will also put her in an even better position to live outwardly for the sake of others.
The better she knows what she uniquely brings to the world—what her unique contribution is—the better able she is to refine it, perfect it, and offer it to the people around her. It will also absolutely give clarity to the uncertain darkness that she is experiencing about this new chapter.
If you have ever journeyed a life or career transition—or if you are there now—then you know all about this uncertainty. Your own wiring through your Top 5 Strengths can help get through that transition with excitement and energy.
In Step 6, you begin to get laser clear about what you uniquely bring and see that your energy is directly connected to how well you show up in your life with this unique contribution (that only you can offer). Let’s review where we have been so far in Steps 1 – 5 to Life Change through your Top 5 Strengths.
Step 1: You now remember your Top 5 Strengths. A great start!
Step 2: You can communicate your Strengths in in your own words
Step 3: You have shared your Strengths with a friend, so they can act as your mirror.
Step 4: You have started incorporating a daily Star stretch to help aim your Strengths.
Step 5: You have made some adjustments on how appropriately your Strengths’ volumes have been dialed in
In Step 6, you stop to reflect on the specific and even nuanced contribution you bring to the world through your StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths. The clearer you can get on exactly what your contribution is—and own it fully—the greater your impact at work, well-being at home, and energy in life.
Here are several ways to begin getting laser clear on your unique contribution:
- Read or talk through your StrengthsFinder Signature Theme descriptions report again. (Use the report you started with or try using one of the other reports at your GallupStrengthsCenter.com portal).
- Use the report to zero-in on what value you really truly bring when your Strengths are tuned up to the right volume for the moment.
- Think about what others have recognized or praised you for. Often others feel your value and benefit well before you do.
- Think about what you have been doing when you felt enthused and alive. You’ll find your Strengths at the root of those experiences.
Use this free 1-page printable chart that gives you an idea of a key contribution from each of the 34 StrengthsFinder Talent Themes. It is one of my favorite tools and is a fantastic place to start!
In addition, if you want some more guided help in getting to the essence of who you are, consider my $14 insights about YOUR Top 5 Strengths or jump straight into my video coaching course with you that helps you get laser clear on the essence of who you are and what you offer (and how to aim that at your goals and purpose!).
It is your own areas of unique contribution and value that you can build for even more influence, impact, energy, and success. It is these areas of unique contribution that we need you to step up and share what only you can bring…so own it…and bring it!
{Check out the FREE 3 page fillable/printable Checklist to walk through this step all 9 Steps to Life Change through your StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths}
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As always, let me know how you are coming along on your own “Strengths Journey.” I want to help you! So connect with Isogo over on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
One of the best places to join the conversation is over at our Facebook Group — Energy Up Frustration Down by Strengths. Join us for weekly chatting, complaining and commending, as we all try to figure out just how to use our Strengths to impact the most important things around us—in our work and life.
Stay tuned for next week as we dive into STEP 7. Or check out the summary of Steps 1-9 in this mammoth blog post that bares all on the 9 Steps to Life Change through Your StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths.
Until next time, be {strong}!
