Why Strengths?

If you investigate any aspect of human life or human nature, you will find differences between people.  Whether you look at a personality trait, a talent, or a particular skill, there will always be some people who possess it in abundance, and others who do not.  Likewise, if you investigate any individual person, you will find some traits and skills that are well developed, and others that are not so well developed. 

So, everyone has strengths.  However, most people are completely unaware of what their strengths are - two out of three people, in fact.  We can list our weaknesses easily, but are lost for words when asked about our strengths; particularly during job interviews!  Maybe we don't want to seem like we are bragging.  Whatever the reason, we are left unaware of our strengths and lack the words to talk about them.  

Is this a problem though?  Is it really beneficial to know anything about our strengths, other than to help us get through job interviews?  Recent research has shown the benefits of knowing and using our strengths:

  • People who use their strengths in their daily lives become happier and less depressed
  • Following strengths generates optimism
  • It helps develop confidence
  • It provides a sense of direction
Also, studies have investigated the ways 'top achievers' use their strengths, and found:

  • Top achievers fully recognise their talents and develop them into strengths
  • They apply their strengths in roles that suit them best
  • They invent ways to apply their strengths to everyday tasks

So in addition to psychological benefits, it also seems that to achieve more, it is important to enter fields that make use of your own strengths, develop these strengths further and to discover ways of applying strengths in everyday life.