Do you like this picture of me?
It’s not really me and unfortunately, I have not put the time and effort in to look like that (although I think I could get my hair to go the same).
Seriously though, this actually illustrates what I’m about to talk about.
This is a concept I’ve had running through my head for a little while and a book I recently read described it perfectly in words.
The book is called “Strengthsfinder 2.o” by Tom Rath and it’s an introduction to a concept created by Don Clifton.
The premise is that people who work and focus on operating in their strengths are the most engaged.
They report being happier and having a better quality of life.
This seems like a no-brainer, but if we look at how many companies are run, we see that the focus is often put on our weaknesses.
We are told that we can be anything despite our weaknesses.
While this may be true, it is also the path of most resistance.
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Here’s a couple examples:
Have you seen the movie “Rudy”?
It’s a great inspiring true film about a young man that wanted to play football for Notre Dame.
He was 5’6″ tall and weighed 165 pounds.
He was relentless and lauded for his “heart” in always going after what he wanted.
He was rejected three times by Notre Dame before finally being accepted and was able to practice with the team.
He basically got beat up for two years helping the team train but he never played during the games…
Until the last game of his senior year, he was able to suit up and be with the team.
Well, for the last play of the game, once the team had squarely landed a win, the coach let Rudy play and he sacked the quarterback.
He was carried off the field as a hero and later was able to meet some famous people.
Rudy’s determination is seriously legendary and the story inspires all of us.
However, in all reality, Rudy spent hours of practicing for 3 seconds of results that ultimately didn’t move the needle even in the game he played.
His perseverance in something more suited for his personal strengths could have possibly made a monstrous difference in whatever he pursued.
Now before you scream at me for coming at Rudy, just realize the point I’m making.
Rudy took the path of most resistance and it was the longest hardest road with a little success at the end.
How many of us are in careers, businesses and jobs that are the path of most resistance?
We believe that we can be anything and just get beat up everyday because we refuse to acknowledge that we are not operating in a position that allows our strengths to develop?
We are trying to overcome our weaknesses.
This is easy to see in someone who is an amazing salesperson and then gets “promoted” into a sales management position and struggles and fails horribly.
If you really want something, go after it.
I’m not saying to let go of your dreams.
What I am saying is to possibly stop trying to do what you are horrible at to get there.
There might be an easier way.
Ok, so how do I know what my strengths are?
This was a question I had to ask myself at one point, because as an adult, I wasn’t even sure what they were.
I had an idea, but it wasn’t completely clear to me.
I realized that many people do not know what their strengths are.
If you need help determining them you can do the Clifton strengths assessment here:
Click Here for the Clifton Strengths Assessment
That’s not an affiliate link, I just found it valuable.
It asks you a bunch of question and tells you your top five, what they mean, and how to use your unique combination of them in order to be the most effective.
It’s just under $20 and my be worthwhile and well-spent if you feel like this is what you are missing in your daily life.
What you are innately good at will propel you to success faster and with less frustration than trying to be good at something else.
Thank you for reading.
Phillip Adams
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