Our second key to holding onto happiness is to celebrate strengths.
Each of you were born with your own set of signature strengths. You already have your own brilliance and greatness inside of you. Self help guru Brian Tracy says, “Life is like a combination lock; when you get the right numbers in the right order, you unlock your potential.”
It’s up to you to discover, name, and maximize your strengths.
Some of you are wondering how to discover your strengths. One informal way is to complete this sentence: I feel strong when…add whatever comes to your mind.
I feel strong playing tennis. I feel strong speaking in front of a 1,000 people. Those two strengths are named focus and command.
Some of you might say, “I feel strong learning a new language” or “I feel strong analyzing the stock market.” Those two strengths are named learner and analytical. Most of us were taught we can be anything we want to be or do anything we want to do if we just work hard enough. Sorry, I don’t believe that anymore.
What I’ve discovered is that “we can be more of who we already are.” Who you are is good enough if only you would be it openly.
I flopped in Spanish and computer classes at GCC. I barely passed my statistics and research courses in my masters program. But I discovered my strength in tennis and helping people achieve their dreams through coaching and speaking.
What I’ve stumbled upon in my coaching career is the strengths revolution. The Gallup Poll reports that 77% of people focus on improving weaknesses rather than maximizing their greatest potential, their strengths. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to maximize your potential and hold onto your keys.
Relish the key of small beginnings and get moving in the direction of your dreams by celebrating your strengths.
