Embrace your strengths and get them to work for you

Credit to Author: Nandini Tirumala| Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2022 22:35:56 +0000

What are you good at? What are your personal strengths?

Research has shown that when people use their strengths, they are more effective in carrying out tasks, often excel in them and experience frequent success. Strengths are positive traits, abilities, skills or characteristics which enable you to perform in a variety of settings.  Studies have indicated that when we use our strengths, we are motivated, things come naturally and we enjoy doing what we do even if it is challenging.  Identifying and developing your personal strengths through continued commitment plays a big role in increasing your health and wellness.

Examples of personal strengths are creativity, empathy, being entertaining and extroverted, friendliness, honesty, etc. Identifying personal strengths, capitalizing on them or cultivating new ones have helped people of all ages to succeed and live a life of purpose, satisfaction and wellness.

On arrival, many newcomers tend to focus on their weaknesses or barriers. This can lead to frustration and stress during the settlement process. They pay little attention to their strengths and often minimize their potential. What starts as failures and loss of self-esteem can, over time, lead to chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, depression and alcoholism.

Many immigrants express their need for help to learn about their own strengths, and some are unsure about ways to utilize their strengths for personal development.

Here are five strategies to discover and clarify your strengths.

1. Make time to learn about them: For many newcomers, the language, vocabulary and concept of strengths may be new or different from their own cultures. To develop a common understanding of the terms and the value attached to them in the current context, use public libraries or online resources to learn about them.

2. Assess yourself: Self-assessment and self-evaluation are important to identify your core strengths. Do not ignore or underestimate your strengths as being irrelevant. Skills can be transferred and utilized effectively. Be bold in sharing them when there is an opportunity.

3. Ask for feedback: It may be challenging for some to assess themselves. Getting unbiased opinions and feedback from a friend, teacher or employer may help you recognize strengths or skills that you may have not noticed yourself.

4. Talk to a professional: A life coach/career counselor/employment services may be able to help analyze and identify your strengths. Administering a ‘Strengths Inventory’ or questionnaire may help in narrowing down and highlighting the key strengths you possess. Some settlement organizations offer free employment workshops and discuss personal strengths as part of resume building and interview skills.

5. Start and maintain a strengths list/journal: Writing down significant past and current events or situations can help you look for patterns and lessons learned. The analysis of the success and failures will throw a light on your strengths as well as weaknesses. Maintaining a personal strengths list and adding to it when you are offered compliments or praise in the new country will serve as an energy booster.

Once you have identified your strengths, value them as your personal resource and tap into them. Use opportunities available around you to channel your strengths effectively for your wellness.

For instance, if you thrive on competition, setting weekly challenges with friends may motivate you to achieve your goals. For those whose strength is adaptability, figure out a plan B to replace a running activity on a rainy day with an indoor workout. For those who like to be in control, running on a treadmill or going on a bike ride for a certain distance may be motivating.

The benefits of using your strengths for health and wellness spill over in other dimensions of life as well. For example, if your strength is sociability and you enroll in group Zumba exercise class, you may be motivated to attend it regularly because you feel welcomed by others. And engaging in this group activity could also lead to friendships and networking opportunities that may benefit your professional life.

Giving it time to see results is important. However, if you struggle, referrals to professionals such as counselors, dieticians, nutritionists, physical trainers and wellness coaches can guide you towards your goals.  Experiencing success generates positive emotions and builds confidence, which in turn increases engagement and over all a purposeful life.  Embrace your strengths and get them to work for you!

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