"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." - Norman Vincent Peale

I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and training many people from all walks of life and industries, and yet many have one thing in common - a poor sense of their talents and strengths. Throughout our education, careers and lives, there is always a huge focus on our weaknesses. Teachers, parents, managers and mentors consider it their responsibility to highlight our flaws and try hard to help us correct them. Most people do not know what their strengths are, or, are not aware of their strengths as they could be, possibly because they take them for granted. Try asking someone, and you’ll see what I mean. They’ll probably give you a blank stare or respond to you in terms of their subject knowledge, not in terms of listing true powerful qualities. Ask for their weaknesses, and boy, will you get a clear and long list!

We have become experts in our own faults and spend a huge part of our lives trying to repair our flaws, while our good points lie stagnant and neglected. This negative approach to your self development is insane. We will all show massive and positive growth if we focus on our abilities instead of only focusing on correcting our deficits. Most of us don’t concern ourselves with identifying our talents and strengths; instead, we study our shortcomings. We live in a weakness- focused world.

To remedy this, start by taking notice of how little time you spend on developing or applying your strengths. How can you heighten the awareness of where you shine from day to day and what you really do well? Each day we must cultivate and focus on our inherent talents and not let these gifts languish. The brain is primed to magnify negative messages and minimize positive ones. Therefore, in our minds, criticism and weaknesses are blown out of proportion and should be managed with great care. We are better served by focusing our energy and attention on positive activities and pursuits that gives us power and satisfaction. When you sharpen your awareness of your strengths and talents, you increase your chances for greater and lasting success.

I am not saying that you should ignore the things in which you are weak in or lack talent, but, stop spending most of your time trying to manage around your weakness. When training, or a support system, or a complementary partnership doesn’t work for you, try finding an alternative role for yourself. Everyone is great at something. Keep searching until you find the right space for what you do best or where you have a natural ability.

Magnify the areas where you shine and continuously ask yourself the questions - “How can I apply more of my best, and is this the very best effort that I can make?” Likewise if you notice and reinforce the best qualities in others, instead of focusing on their weaknesses, you will be amazed at the enthusiasm they will show in order to partner or complement you. When you do the work or things that you are best at, the magic simply flows. To your continued success and happiness.

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