Finding My Strengths

 Finding My Strengths

My Next Step

With my vision board finished, I moved on to bringing my desire statement into focus. In order to fully live out and enjoy the activities on my vision board I need to get back to work earning a paycheck. 

I could have looked at this through a more personal lens of who I am as a person but decided since I am job hunting that I would take this approach of who I am and what I want in my career life.

I began by writing down what my strengths are. Not just what I believe they are, but the attributes that others see shine through me as well. I found it helpful to have someone that I have worked with in the past to go through this exercise with me as they were able to point out positives and specific traits they saw that I missed.

Finding My Strengths

At times we can be our own worst enemies. Going through this process I reminded myself often that what I may consider a weakness of mine could be considered a strength by someone else. So I need to stay open-minded.

As an example, I am what some may call risk-averse. I tend to take my time and analyze the positives and negatives in a new situation and then determine if the positives outweigh the negatives when taking the risk. To some, I may not be the perfect employee because they may be looking for a risk taker that makes a spur-of-the-moment decision worrying about the fallout at a later date if it occurs. To others, I may be just what they are looking for, the balance to another person on the team that is a dreamer and takes risks but needs someone to help them analyze before steamrolling ahead. 

I found some humor in my list because I found that I can be a bit of an enigma. I work really well as an independent worker being able to focus on my tasks but thrive as a team player that is able to work with others to make the dream a reality.  I am a creative thinker that can think outside of the box but likes to color within the lines. I tend to move into leadership roles once I’m in a company but my more introverted self originally looks for support roles where I don’t have to be the center of attention.

Here are some of my strengths from the list: communication, time management, organization, detail-oriented, customer service-minded, creative-thinker, facilitator, problem solver, event coordinator, leader, supportive, authentic, and loyal. There were more but these were at the top.

What I Want 

We’ve discussed before that it’s easier for me to create a list of what I don’t want versus what I do want. I took time to ruminate about the issues that I found bothered me from previous experiences and the ways in which those could be made into positives. Then, I made a list of what makes me shine from within when I’m doing something I feel called to.

I thrive in an environment where I know others are authentic. A place where I feel safe to make myself vulnerable and speak up knowing that others are listening in a non-judgmental way. I look for companies that respect and appreciate their employees. Finding a company with a positive culture that is lived out daily is important to me. I give 110% when I am working so I need a company that values that effort and commitment but also encourages self-care and fun in the workplace. Family is important to me so I’m looking for a flexible schedule that allows me to self-moderate using my time-management skills.

I love to volunteer, but I know I am worth the salary that I seek. I have a servant’s heart and feel led to work with small businesses and non-profits to facilitate events and organize new programs. I have a heart for advocating and helping others knowing I’m making a positive impact. I enjoy project-based work with goals and specific end dates. Supporting others to bring their dreams to life by helping get them organized and then facilitating what needs to be accomplished fills my cup. I see the possibilities of what can be created from something old or established and bringing it new life.

Is all of this just a dream? I don’t think so. I haven’t found a company that fulfills all of these desires yet, but I know it’s out there. Perhaps someone reading my blog is looking for the perfect person to fill a position and after reading this says, she’s our girl!