Play to your strengths.
That is advice I have heard in multiple ways and myriad circumstances. It works for actors, athletes, CEOs, managers, new employees, students, people.
I had a couple of conversations related to this topic with different people today. I also read an article in a publication from Britain about the topic too. These conversations were related to my job as a communications manager, but I’ve learned that when several messages or events in my life start coalescing around a common theme it’s one way God uses to get my attention.
At the heart of the matter in this case is the idea that often times we have , or have been given, or choose to play roles that have nothing to do with our strengths. Sometimes these roles actually go against our talents and sometimes the roles take our talents to a new level. Oftentimes it is our level of engagement -or self awareness and self respect – that dictate the outcomes.
But when the role vs. strength disconnect exists we usually have a feeling of discomfort or unease. We work harder than we have to because we don’t feel confident in our ability to meet the expectations of the “role” we need to fill. We doubt. We fear. We complain that things are too hard. We dial back and procrastinate because we can’t bring ourselves to do that which we feel inadequate to do.
Sometimes when our roles don’t fit our strengths we short-circuit our own success. We can do this professionally. And we can do this personally.
Investing in a little navel gazing is a good thing and it can reap big rewards.
When we spend the time to really come to know ourselves – to identify our strengths and weaknesses, to recognize the gifts God has given us, and those He has not, when we honestly assess our wants, needs, hot buttons, and areas for growth – we are actively participating in our own success.
Sometimes the Work Obligations + The Daily Task List + The Honey-Do List + The Kids Need This List + The I’m Tired Reality all combine to put The Beauty of Navel Gazing somewhere near the bottom of our priority lists, probably after cleaning toilets. We don’t value ourselves enough to invest some quality time and thinking into who we are, what our strengths are, where our disconnects are and why they’re there. We limit our potential when we make the choice to put Navel Gazing at the bottom of the task list.
As summer winds down, and spin-up to fall activities begins, treat yourself to some navel gazing. Take inventory of your strengths with as much attention and focus as you give to switching out your closets for fall, or determining whether the kids have all the clothes and school supplies they need for the coming academic year.
You are worth the investment.
