Do you sometimes feel like hidden strengths are deep inside you, waiting to be discovered? What if… there were superpowers just under the surface that you haven’t recognized? Life, other people and our own self-talk sometimes get so busy, we don’t see our own strengths.
Traits as Canvas, Strengths as Brushstrokes
Imagine we’re preparing to paint a picture. The canvas and the paint are a necessary foundation. The canvas supports the artwork, and the paints give the image character and detail.
Likewise, your traits are the qualities that exhibit your natural character. Whether introverted, extroverted, optimistic or analytical, your traits are neither good nor bad. They are the foundation of who you are.
We’re painting a picture. Where do the superpowers come in? That’s where strengths apply to create the image. The strengths come with the delicate movement of the brushes, the mixing of the paints, and the actions taken to form the artistic image.
Traits and Strengths Work Together
An inquisitive trait can develop into the strength of scientific research, uncovering hidden keys like a skilled detective. Your detail-oriented trait can transform into the strength of accuracy found in major building projects.
Why is understanding the distinction between traits and strengths so important? It’s about discovering your true potential.
Turn Your Traits into Strengths
Focusing solely on traits causes limitations. If you believe your introverted character makes you unsuitable for leadership or your creative mind would wander too much, then you limit yourself.
Many people would hold themself back, and never know their true potential.
By recognizing your strengths, you can see the potential from “who you are” to “what you can do”. A personal trait of being passionate can fuel your strength toward unwavering motivation. The result drives you to achieve your goals like a superhero fueled by determination.
Here’s a cool thing about strengths: They are not static. Unlike some of our fixed traits, you can develop your strengths and amplify them through practice and experience.
Imagine taking your natural curiosity and transforming it into the strength of critical thinking. You become a learner that analyzes situations like an accomplished problem solver. Isn’t that what the great inventors and Nobel Prize awardees did? You can too!
Every time you push yourself, master a new skill, or overcome a challenge, you’re transforming your traits into stronger, more impactful strengths.
Strength Benefits are Unlimited
The benefits go beyond your personal satisfaction. Identifying and nurturing your strengths can be your go-to superpower for performance improvement, leading to career success and greater life satisfaction.
By understanding your communication strengths, you can collaborate and build teams that function with skill. Your problem-solving strengths can turn you into a sought-after resource, a superhero that saves the day with your ability to navigate awkward situations.
From Self-Awareness to Celebration
How do you launch your quest to find your hidden superpowers? The first step is self-awareness. Take personality assessments, invest in yourself and work with a coach, seek feedback from mentors and colleagues, and reflect on your achievements. Identify patterns where you excel. Those are the things that bring you joy and make a positive impact. Look closely at your various traits that make you the person you are. Then, consider how you can apply them to transform and become unique strengths.
By understanding your traits, you better know yourself.
The next part of discovering your superpowers is development. In life, we should always seek opportunities to live in a state of continuous improvement. That mindset is a natural path to hone your strengths.
Take courses, seek challenging projects, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow. We’ve all heard the saying, “practice makes perfect”. In my Oxford Thesaurus, the first alternate word for practice is “action”. Let your daily agenda include action that generates perfect results.
By knowing yourself better through your traits and creating opportunities to develop your strengths, it’s time to celebrate your strengths. Don’t let them stay hidden; wear them like a badge of honor. Share them with those around you. Your examples of confidence and enthusiasm will inspire others to discover their own inner heroes.
Your Journey Begins Now
Remember, each person has unique strengths waiting to be set free. Don’t allow yourself to be limited by “who you are “. Focus on your endless possibilities of “what you can do.“
By understanding the difference between traits and strengths, you expand your potential to transform into an extraordinary force for good.
Then, you’re ready to write your own epic superhero story.
What About You?
What traits do you have that can be used to build and transform your strengths? I’m in the process of developing some new coaching tools to help people identify, build and apply their strengths.
I’d love to hear about strengths you want to build and those you might have already.
About the Author
Anthony M. Davis is a Certified Leadership, Success and Stress Coach. He is a clinically trained Board Certified Hypnotherapist.
He has earned a national reputation for his Transformative Life Centeringwork with clients from across the nation. His unique approach helps clients remove underlying fears and triggers, and then, through coaching, helps them pursue and accomplish life and career goals.
He provides Coaching and Hypnotherapy sessions remotely through Zoom. If you have challenges and are ready to move past them, Contact him Here to create the life change you desire.