I've been thinking about what I'm good at. Do you do that?
From an HR perspective, we often look at firming up the weaknesses of others, rather than maximizing the strengths. And that's what got me to thinking about what I'm good at. I mean really good.
Over the weekend I talked to a great friend who asked me about what I thought were my two greatest strengths and I had to think. And think. Share. Change my mind. Think again.
I was exhausted, not because I thought I was great at so many things, but more because I was second guessing my strengths, wondering "would others say I'm good at this?"
When I was in high school, I wanted to be an academic, strong in every area so no college would take a pass. And I wanted to be attractive. Confession here: my acne and awful hair would result in many boys saying they would date me if I didn't tell anyone, so hence just wanting to be more like the pretty girls whose hands would be held by boys.
In my 20s, I sought to be a great girlfriend and excel in tv broadcasting. In my 30s, the biological clock was ticking so the priorities changed again. Now that I'm in my 50s, making a difference and having authentic relationships, both in my personal and professional life, are priorities. Those are areas I want to be good at.
The moral of the story this Monday is - our priorities change in time. AND THAT'S OK! We may be going 100 miles an hour in one direction in our 30s and significantly change direction in our 40s and 50s. And as we make those changes and reprioritize, having those close to us who can serve as confidants to bounce off ideas is a great lifeline. Personal reflection? That's one too.
Check out some additional resources for further thought.
And...hey....happy Monday!
* Read it.
Great, short article here on how perspective changes as we age. Take a gander. Read it HERE.
This is a video like no other. Its about getting stuck. And if nothing else, it will make you laugh because laughter is important. This is silly...but it does get better when you might not have an idea how you'll get out of a messy situation.
* Share it.
Can you print these and share them? Notes to colleagues to help inspire and encourage them. Now go slay yet another week!
