Jackie Stanley

One reason we sometimes avoid self-improvement efforts is that we mistakenly believe self-improvement is all about fixing the stuff that is wrong with us. In fact, growing and developing—and thus “improving” ourselves—often involves us getting better at the things we are already good at.

14 Questions to Help You Discover Your Strengths

Most of us are experts on our flaws but spend less time reflecting on the things that we do well. The following questions will give you insight into your true gifts and talents:

 

1. If you had to spend eternity doing the same thing over and over, what would it be?
2. What were you doing the last time you were so immersed in an activity that you forgot to eat and lost track of time?
3. If you were independently wealthy, how would you spend your time?
4. What do you do well that other people find difficult?
5. What did you enjoy doing as a child?

5 Things That Are Right with You
Instead of worrying about what’s wrong with you, start focusing on what’s right with you. Print out this article and use the space below to make a list of the top five things that are absolutely terrific about you. Although you may be convinced that your hips are too wide and your butt is too big, don’t forget about your eyes that can see or your knees that can bend. If you don’t believe those things are a big deal, ask someone who can’t see or walk. List things that are right with you:

2 Ways to Embrace Your Special Excellence

10 Ways You Can Begin Fanning the Flames of Your Brilliance
1. Take a class in a subject you love at a community college
2. Sign-up for a workshop or seminar
3. Buy books on how to cultivate your gift
4. Listen to inspirational audiotapes
5. Purchase supplies and/or equipment needed to perfect your gift
6. Search the web for resources pertinent to your desired area of expertise
7. Seek out someone who is willing to serve as your mentor
8. Go to the library and research the subject/career/sport/activity you want to get even better at
9. Join a club/organization designed to support and promote what you do well
10. Solicit support from people you admire

1 Written Affirmation Designed to Reinforce Your Belief in Your Unique Talents:

My talents, gifts and capabilities are mine. I will now claim them. I will work to improve them and to share them with others. I believe that they are uniquely my own and that my purpose in life is to give them life.

Sidebar:

Overcoming your weaknesses may make your life better. Building your strengths can fill your life with brilliance.

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*New York: Free Press Publishing, 2001.
**New York: Dell Books, 1995.
***New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.
†New York: Little, Brown, 2001.
††New York: Dell Books, 1995.
†††New York: Three Rivers Press, 2002.