Have you been working towards the same accomplishment for years? Do you think that pure will and determination will create a force so strong that it will just happen? I love enthusiasm, but chances are this strategy won’t work. Before you get frustrated and stop reading this article, let me share with you what will shift you from trying to force things to happen to actually making them happen.
I came across a quote in a book called “Strengths 2.0” by Tom Rath that states it quite simply: “You cannot be anything you want to be-but you can be more of who you are.” We grow up believing we can do anything. We are often told that anything is possible if we try hard enough. The problem lies not in the trying, but in the frustration of trying to do something that does not fit who we are. Each of us has natural talents and strengths; it is within this realm that we can achieve to our highest potential. Too many people get caught up in reaching for something that they think they should want, usually a product of what the people around them are doing. But it becomes difficult to tap into that level of true inner genius when we are following a path that actually resists our own genius.
For my readers who love facts, Strengths Finder 2.0 is based on studies done by the Gallup organization. What they found in their research is that if you are doing a job or working on a project that is not geared towards your strengths, you are “six times less likely to be engaged in your job”. These are the side effects of that disengagement: “dread going to work, have more negative than positive interactions with your colleagues, treat your customers poorly, tell your friends your company is horrible, achieve less on a daily basis, and have fewer positive and creative moments”. So if the project you have been chipping away at for years is not helping you expand your expertise in what you’re naturally good at, the results will be similar.
It’s not that it’s misguided to have a dream and to reach beyond your own expectations. It’s about focusing on what ways you work best and capitalizing on it. A prime example would be a highly creative person who has tons of ideas and amazing projects they want to explore. Should they give up the dream of owning a company because they may not be strong in organizing or precise in numbers? No. The best thing they could do is to partner with someone who is very adept at those skills. The combination of the two can benefit both people and their complimentary skills could create a level of success that would be impossible if they struck out on their own.
Focus on being more of who you are without judgment. Own what you excel in and don’t hesitate to bring it to the table. You’re more likely to succeed and attract the people who can help you move forward if you do this, than if you spend all your time working alone on something that doesn’t fit your strengths. Take a breath and a step back. Notice if what you are focusing on is helping you develop your natural strengths. The key to true success is concentrating on building on who you are.
Laura Tirello is a Career and Life Coach. Her company, Core Life Design, works with people who are looking to find their highest potential both in their careers and personal lives. Are you looking for ways to turn your ideas into goals? Get a copy of my *free* special report: “5 Ways to Eliminate Idea Overwhelm”. Visit corelifedesign.com for more information. Laura can be contacted at Laura@corelifedesign.com
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