Use this guide as your compass. To find, study, and explore your strengths, you should know the language of strengths. Now you’re armed with everything you need to start searching for a new career or begin to think about building your own. Look for the times that you are ready and eager to attack a task, and you'll find … Non-fiction sections will deal with real-life areas of interest, so if you find one that’s interesting to you it will translate into a field you can enter in the real world. The key to building a career of your own using the internet is creating what’s called a platform. I’m not the first person to discover or write about Strengths Finder 2.0, but many other people will just say “Read Strengths Finder 2.0 and learn about your strengths.”. Strengths Talents KnowledgeSkills 12. This exercise nearly always shows that there are connetions between the groups. There are only two ways to make money as an entrepreneur, you can either sell a product or provide a service. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I’ve been building authority by learning, implementing, and sharing my ideas. Are you going to use it? When you are engaging one of your strengths, it shows. While other business icons and researchers may disagree on what the ten talents are that drive entrepreneurial success, there’s undoubtedly an overwhelming consensus that success is most often achieved by focusing on utilizing your core strengths and talents. As Stephen Covey says:  "Begin with the end in mind. There are clues all around you trying to tell you what you should be doing with your life, but you’ll miss them if you’re not paying attention. My upbringing tells a tale of my love affair with words. The briefcase strategy – This technique will 10x your chances of winning jobs by doing what most other job candidates will never do. Narrow your list down to 5 or 10 options. You may be a terrific storyteller, for example. You discover, develop, and apply your talents to build your strengths. Observe. 1. A strength, simply put, is something you do extremely well, consistently, and builds on your natural patterns for thinking, feeling, or doing. The book explores all 10 StrengthsFinder strengths for 10 to 14 year olds like Discoverer, Future Thinker and Caring, and guides parents to spot these strengths in younger children. I set 90-day goals and break down what needs to be done into monthly and weekly goals. This type of approach builds the clients on their strengths , specifically seeing them as resourceful and resilient when they are in adverse conditions (Strengths-Based Models in Social Work; McCashen (2005)). Consider it another piece of the puzzle. Public Speaking. If one strategy doesn’t work, they ditch it and move on to the next tactic. Depending on your business, it might list things like, “an understanding of the market,” “business development,” “website development,” or … Running a successful blog will come with its fair share of new challenges, and my adaptability learned from previous jobs helps with my new career. Each personality type is separated by the weight of four different factors: ENTP’s are known for being fascinated with ideas and novel ways of thinking (remember this was my number one strength found on StrengthsFinder 2.0). I’ve spent a long time learning about myself and discovering my strengths. There are tools available to help you learn more about yourself, where your strengths lie and A friend of mine came to me and asked me to write blog posts for his website — the rest is history. Undeterred by failure and unaffected by others losing their cool, yours is truly the patience of a saint. Those two interests have overlapped and I’ve been able to make income from writing. For Alphabetical List - Click Here >, Here is a link to the alphabetical list in a simple spreadsheet where you can add, delete and sort your own abilities and strengths >. It’s … Below is a list of skills that just might be yours. You can really nerd out on the nuances on the Futuristic Talent Theme Page. What type of activities were you drawn towards as a child? Knowing your strengths can be a game-changer for your life and career. It is very true that passion is something “Good to have”, but the rest of the knowing your strength and applying them by adapting what the world is saying is a more practical approach. I don’t plan far ahead. 1 is your biggest strength and 5 (or do 10 if you like) is at the 5th place. Regardless of what industry you’ve been working in, there are some skills you can take from your experience and use them on your new path. Consider this your road map to taking the first steps in designing a career and life you love. You’ll notice patterns and overlaps the more of them you take. For Alphabetical List - Click Here >. We’re going to go through each of them for you to see how I’ve used the information to develop my strengths. So here is a little run down on the importance of finding your true talents. Dig into the Futuristic strength all the way. While it’s not always easy to identify your strengths and gifts, it’s well worth your time to uncover them. Most people never find their natural talents and strengths – either because they do not believe they have any or because they underestimate their importance. Identify what you do best. You have a greater chance of success if you stick with your core strengths and natural talents. But before I continue I want you to make me a promise. The trick: Let someone else do it for you. Please leave a comment below if you found this useful. Researchers from the Gallup company spent years testing and tracking data to compile a list of 34 natural talents people have. Thanks a lot. If you had to give a speech about one topic what would it be? I want you to join those who have found their strengths and have put them to good use. This couldn’t be further from the truth. What do they ask for your advice on? I have worked with many people who became successful with very little money and skill. At the end, we’ll tie everything together to give you a solid roadmap of what you should be doing going forward. I’ve been told that I’m articulate, have a nice voice, and that I sound intelligent. Everything counts!). Put simply, many talented people just don’t see their strengths as attributes that enable them to do things that most others struggle with. Entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, linchpins, over-achievers. Finding a talent is really just a matter of discovering what your natural strengths are, even if you're not totally aware of them yet! Let your thoughts flow onto a few pages every morning and walk away from them for the rest of the day. Talents are labeled gifts. Uncategorized. To recognize great talent, hiring managers can look for the following signs instead of paying attention only to resumes and cover letters. They have a non-conformist view of the world, love to debate and play devils advocate, and are eager to start new projects. Information is useless without action. I also encourage you to share this with your friends on social media by using those buttons on the left! I’ve given you actionable information you can use to discover your unique talents and strengths. They have a hard time paying attention to detail and hate having to do repetitive tasks or planning. Once you have a list, create events or a place online, a place to invite them. What did they say? You're not born this way, you get this way." They prefer to work in flexible and can get bogged down with having to work in a structured environment. They are just awesome. If you buy the expanded version you can see all 34 of your strengths in order. In other words, they don’t expect (or want) you to list everything you do well but they do want to hear about the specific attributes or natural talents … I started writing poetry in middle school. My strengths include coming up with good ideas, communicating, collecting information, writing, and reading. Note: This beast of a guide is 4000+ words long. Stack your school/work teams with people who have different strengths and natural abilities. The 34 themes of strengths listed below represent an attempt to create a common language for strengths and talents. The Strength-Based approach is a “work practice theory” which focuses on an individuals’ self-determination and strength (Strengths-Based Models in Social Work; McCashen (2005)). To get the most from the book, go through the exercises and follow the suggestions. If you don’t have time to read it right now you can download a pdf version to read later. You'll feel it in your bones, and you'll feel more energized. Writing. Volunteer your talents through the application ideas. Before you read a book, attend a class, sign up for a membership, attend a university.... Know the big picture and what you will need to learn. Real Help an Honest Guide to Self-Improvement, Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect, The Career Upgrade Roadmap: 90 Days to a Better Job and a Better Life, Seeking a career where you’re paid for your ideas, Taking time to understand where your best ideas come from. To discover your strengths, start by delving into your past through a series of activities. Your talents are a breeding ground for your strengths. We live in a society focused on fixing weaknesses rather than developing strengths. A week before the test we’d be given a set of words to study. They key here is taking action. I can remember talking about writing for a living in one way or another several times. There are tools available to help you learn more about yourself, where your strengths lie and give ideas on how you can use them. Here is a list of possible strengths & talents which could be on your list. Friends/Family – What do your friends compliment you on? I was always fascinated with learning new words. These tests come with potential jobs for people with your “particular set of skills.”. I hate to throw a long list out here ...  (long lists can seem daunting) but sometimes we get stuck and just need a nudge. If you buy the standard package you’re allowed to see your top 5 strengths. Or maybe you always keep a cool head under pressure, can establish instant rapport with people or find a hole in a logical argument. I have gone through your article and it is just fantastic. Your plan will involve one of two options – look for a new job or build something of your own. What do your friends find difficult that you think is easy? Make yourself available to consult with people on their problems. Your assessment will include descriptions of your strengths, examples, and quotes from people who share that strength, and a detailed list of actions you can take to develop your strengths. Entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, linchpins, over-achievers, and those who feel a little weird and don't fit in. And if you’re a manager, have a conversation with your team members about which of these things sound like something they’d love to have more of. The key to building your strengths is to identify your dominant talents and then refine them with knowledge and skills. Summary. You’re asked a series of about 80 questions and in the end, you’re given one of sixteen personality types. You have a subject you can’t keep your mouth shut about too. Know what your strengths are and take advantage of them. These four domains were named by Gallup based on the type of activities that the talent theme will most likely thrive in, although the themes are by no means limited to those activities. In school, we would have to take vocabulary tests. Notice the strengths in your work pointed out by other people. If you’d like to buy the book you can check it out here StrengthsFinder 2.0. Think back to the random things strangers have said to you and those pieces to the overall puzzle. If it were me I’d opt for number two (for many different reasons), but I’ll explore both with you today. These usually last about two weeks. Click here for more details. As a result, whilst every employer and manager wants to believe they allow staff to ‘play to their strengths’, if staff don’t know what those strengths are, it’s not likely to happen. Instead of focusing on passion focus on strength. Once you have these in place you can go online and look through job descriptions of each to get a feel for if they’d be the right fit. This theme runs through my writing and shapes my worldview. Some strength development suggestions from the book include: How I’ve put these suggestions into action: People with strategic strength are always plotting their next move. Use the resources, try the exercises, and get results. The tool was developed by Dr Donald O. Clifton, the founder of strengths-based psychology. We all have unique gifts that others do not have. I do freelance blogging and copywriting work on the side. I want you to go to the bookstore and browse through each of the sections until you find one that interests you. Do you wish there was a genie who could tell you what you’re good at and how to make a living from it? Knowing your strengths; Getting the right talent on your team; Meeting the basic needs of your followers (Rath & Conchie, 2009) It’s a simple “recipe for success,” but it’s not necessarily an easy one to follow. It’s often these strengths that allow us to get ahead in whatever our chosen endeavor is because they transcend specific activities. A strength begins with a talent. Identifying your true talents isn't always easy. Step 10: Search for an outlet for your talents ... when you know where your true talents lie and you have the opportunity to realise them, you'll feel more confident and enthusiastic. It continues to be a priceless resource in my library. There are also resources online that dive into detail about the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type. Here are a couple of places you can look for more guidance on the subject of job searching and interviewing: The Career Upgrade Roadmap: 90 Days to a Better Job and a Better Life – This book, written by millennial career expert Olivia Gamber, is hands down one of the best books I’ve read on finding high-quality jobs. Self Management. Seek roles which success depends on changing circumstances. Ask your friend to name three of your strengths (The words in the image above may provide some inspiration.) The other kids in the class always wanted me to be chosen too because I was the fastest reader and that meant we could get it over with sooner. According to Darren Hardy, here are things to think about when considering your strengths. We all deserve to have lives and careers that are built on a solid foundation of strength. I’m going to mention them, tell you how I’ve used them, and give you suggestions on how to get the most out of them. Consistency is one of my strengths: I always complete the projects assigned to me not because I'm the one who gets through the most work in a day, but simply because there's never a day when I do less than the day before... #6 – Patience. I make moves. Let’s take a look at these different sources of feedback. I would wait until about 10 minutes before we had to take the test, memorize all the words, and ace it every time. Please do keep writing these kind of fascinating articles. Unless you’re the most boring person on the planet, there has to be something you’re interested in, passionate about, or willing to learn more about. If their email is listed send them a message, otherwise, you can message them directly via LinkedIn. Strengths Finder is, in my opinion, the best tool you can use to learn about your talents and strengths. Once you have this list in place you can start by crossing out the ones that are a definite no – bye bye customer service rep, journalist, HR recruiter, and researcher! Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. I’m thankful for the push he gave me, because I’m not sure how long I would’ve waited to get started or if I would’ve gotten started at all. © 2019 by Ayodeji Awosika | Author | Speaker | Entrepreneur. I even attempted to write a book a few times while in high school. They’re always asking “what if?” They look for the best route of action. People with the ideation talent are fascinated with ideas. Your passion might be closer than you think if you stop and reflect for a while. In the age of the internet and information economy, it’s possible to start building your own career using the power of the internet. IF you take the time to go through them you will know more about yourself which will come in handy when paired with your interests and coming up with your action plan, which we’ll discuss later. You can also have intangible strengths. Maybe a menu can solidify the confidence? I will talk about unique concepts and ways of viewing the world with anyone who will listen. A few of my favorites include. You’ve developed a solid profile that can be coupled with different available jobs. After you’ve learned more about each of the 3 positions you can look to start interviewing for them. Your friends and family can see things in you that you can’t. I run “mini-experiments,” to try new methods of doing things. If you’re new to Audible you can get the book for free along with a trail membership (cancel anytime). People with adaptability strength are able to change pace quickly and thrive in situations with unexpected challenges. Business will only survive if you can work, Takes more work up front than freelancing, The product might fail = wasting lots of time. Taking the time think deeply about your future goals. Put the list in order from your strongest skill at the top to weakest on the bottom and get ready for the next step. This is a basic overview of business that doesn’t do it justice, but at least you have an idea of the available options. It’s clear to me now that my life’s mission is to use words to make an impact on others, but it wasn’t always this way. Each of the 34 StrengthsFinder Talent Themes are categorized under four different domains: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. When you combine your skills and interest with the power of the internet, you can create a business you love. After all, they’re strangers, so they have no reason to give you compliments that aren’t genuine. I’ve developed a healthy writing habit. This breakdown will be simple (I’m in the process of creating another jumbo-sized guide on this topic), but it’s enough to get you started. Looking into your past can help you figure out what to pursue going forward. It turns out that choices lead to habits. – Greg Norman. Don’t worry about whether you’ve thought of every possible skill required for your business to succeed. You’ll feel like someone read your mind. Try finding a non-fiction section. If the experiment works I keep doing it. Managing around your weaknesses will free you … What did you want to be at the age of 14? Throughout grade school, whenever the teacher asked someone in the class to read I would raise my hand. Passion is like a unicorn in the wild. I was good with customers and used problem-solving skills to help them when they had issues. There are a few other tests you can take online to help you learn more about your talents and strengths. Here are 10 things people possessing great talent always do: When moving forward on a new path to discovering your strengths and building a new life, you might think the skills you’ve used in the past are useless. There is no shame if you can only sing, dance and juggle! I’m not passive in my approach to getting ahead. Michael Hartzell International5940 Frances Ave NETacoma, WA 98422Call toll free: 1 (888) 847-2903, Guest Bloggers    Privacy    Legal    Affiliate Disclosure Policy    Log-in, Howto 6 – List of Strengths & Talents You May Have. This book will help you determine your skills and strengths. I have multiple vocabulary books I use to learn new words. With more than 10 years of experience in finance and sales, I’ve exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been promoted twice in the past five years. I would always say things like: I got lucky. If you’re desperate to know what you’re good at and how to use your skills to make a living keep reading. This is what you do best and where your real talents are. How to Study by Working Smarter - Not Harder [infographic], Test Your Intelligence Here & Why 'Smart' Holds You Back, Free Educational Resources and Practice Tests at Varsity Learning Tools. The ground reality is very well articulated. I want you to promise me that you’ll actually use this information. Ayodeji is the Author of Real Help: An Honest Guide to Self-Improvement and two other Amazon best-selling titles. Then, assess yourself to find the traits and qualities that are innate within you. The trick: Let someone else do it for you. Avoid roles requiring structure and predictability. You can use your platform to either build a following or connect with potential clients who could use your services. People like to confide in me and ask questions, so I make sure to provide the best advice I can when asked. Find your path and follow it. The questions help determine your highest talents from the list. ", Wouldn't it be great to be gifted? Strengths are a person's innate talents, things they do well naturally. What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “It’d be cool.” I bet there are some things you’ve offhandedly mentioned wanting to do. Your strengths are like your superpowers, and they help you create a successful life that you love. By AAwosika07 I’ll list of some of the potential careers that align with my strengths and talents. People get lost trying to find their passion or purpose because too far into the distance. Going back to the “upbringing” section, in addition to being interested in words I was also interested in business for as long as I can remember. Identifying your true talents isn't always easy. If it doesn’t I ditch it and move on. Evaluate the strength of your reaction for each on a scale of 1 to 10. 2. Engage people in thoughtful debate/dialogue. (I guarantee it!). Maximizer Strength: Get Known For Your Talent I get a whole lot of questions about how to amplify your CliftonStrengths talent theme of Maximizer with your career. I’ve taken these strengths and interests and used them to make a side income in a number of different ways: None of this would have happened if I failed to take action. ... those that fit your strengths and then compare them against each other to bring them into an order. Have you ever received a compliment from a stranger? Your friends, family members, acquaintances, and even strangers are all giving you clues to help you discover your purpose. The ability to do something well. How to Study by Working Smarter - Not Harder [infographic] >, Test Your Intelligence Here & Why 'Smart' Holds You Back >, Free Educational Resources and Practice Tests at Varsity Learning Tools >. When an interviewer asks this question, they’re assessing how well your strengths align with the role you’re interviewing for. I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I wrote papers my teachers would be impressed. Society as a whole would be a happier, more productive, and efficient place. What can you talk about without stopping? Stream of consciousness writing can be very effective at identifying your talents. "Now, Discover Your Strengths" is highly recommended. I decided to put together a resource for people who are looking for direction. Everyone has talents—sometimes you just need to do some self-exploration to find yours. I’m also an entrepreneur and have used my writing skills to land paying clients and freelance work. 2. Using myself as an example again, I used to work in retail and customer service. - Seth Godin, Below is a list of skills that just might be yours. S K I L L S 11. Habits become talents. However, the Strengthsfinder actually measures talents, not strengths. Most people will read guides like this but won’t take action on the information. A woman’s greatest strength is her deep power within, the strength to keep going, and the ability to find love and laughter in a world that is not always kind.” Using your talents in recreation gives your brain a chance to play, making you more productive in every other area of your life. and those who feel a little weird and don't fit in. Networking (person to person) Networking (in the virtual world) Critical Thinking. You can take the Meyers-Briggs Test here. People with the input strength have an insatiable appetite for information. Decision Making. You will excel only by maximizing your strengths, never by fixing your weaknesses. Skills are generally developed through a combination of practice and aptitude. Thinking of the words that come after this phrase will help you discover what you were meant to do. Their ability to recognize what unique skills & talents they possessed helped them to overcome barriers and become a success. Capitalize on your strengths, and manage around your weaknesses. Find a way to use your knowledge to benefit other people. This is meant to be an overview, and is fairly general. It also explores all 34 adult strengths to help you spot your own. By starting with talents, you can accelerate your learning curve and get more return for the time and energy you invest. Every person has them, and when identified, nurtured and channeled appropriately, they can … What do you talk about with your friends on a Saturday night? They see passion as a distant prize when in reality it’s nothing more than a subject you’re interested in that can become useful when paired with a certain skill. They consider a talent as one of the ingredients in the formula of building a true strength. Click here to download a free pdf copy. Strengths talents (I always do) 1 See answer lastimosafeterjohn lastimosafeterjohn Answer: my best for my dancing performance.