Self-discovery is a process that requires vulnerability and self-love. Observe your thoughts, behaviors, and personal values and ask yourself why you act as you do.
Identify Your Strengths
When you first start identifying your strengths, it may seem overwhelming. Knowing your strengths requires looking at yourself from an outside perspective and considering how you benefit others. It’s also an ongoing process, and your ideas of strengths can fluctuate over time.
One good way to identify your strengths is to look at your proudest accomplishments and determine what made them successful. This can be done on your own or with the help of a mentor, coach, or colleague. Another option is to take a strength assessment, such as the ikigai test (pictured above), which can give you an idea of your unique skills.
You can also ask for colleagues, friends, and family feedback. They may see things you don’t, and the different perspectives can be useful in identifying hidden strengths.
It’s important to focus on your strengths and not let weaknesses derail your progress. If you’re struggling with a weakness, consider if it’s necessary to complete the task and find other ways to do it. For example, if you struggle with organization, try to figure out how you can manage your workload and priorities in other ways. Learning more about your strengths by taking classes or reading online tutorials is also good.
Focus on Your Strengths
When you are clear on your strengths, you can create goals that align with your talents. A strengths-based goal is focused on positive outcomes and designed to help you utilize your natural talents.
Once you know your strengths, it is important to practice using them regularly to make them habits. A great way to do this is by focusing on one of your daily strengths and finding ways to utilize it. Try to think outside the box and be creative! This may include working on a project or playing a sport you love in your free time.
It would help if you also considered seeking a mentor to help you on your journey of self-discovery. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide guidance will make it much easier to accomplish your goals and succeed. Ultimately, self-discovery is about uncovering the true you and becoming the person you want to be. The process requires courage and resilience, but the rewards are well worth it.
Create a Plan for Using Your Strengths
When you take the time to identify your strengths, you’ll realize that many of these qualities have been with you since childhood. They might be your creativity, curiosity, or ability to build relationships. Once you’ve figured out your signature strengths, you can use them to create goals that help you achieve more.
To discover your true personality, try to be more observant of yourself and the people around you. This will teach you to look beyond your day-to-day responsibilities and focus on what’s important to you. Mindful meditation, quiet reflection, or journaling can be helpful in this process. A simple “tombstone exercise,” in which you write what you want to appear on your tombstone, can also help you figure out your core values and passions.
Creating a plan for using your strengths doesn’t mean forgetting your weaknesses. Understanding what weaknesses hinder your ability to reach your goals is essential. This can help you develop strategies to overcome them and make it easier to achieve your dreams.
For example, if you struggle to maintain motivation, think about how you can use your strength of discipline and determination to keep you on track. You should focus on ways to stay more disciplined, such as keeping a workout log or scheduling your meals. Or, you could use your perseverance to help you overcome challenges at work by finding a way to show leadership skills.
Create a Goal for Using Your Strengths
Using your strengths to achieve your goals makes you more fulfilled in life. It also increases your productivity, as you can work on tasks that come naturally to you. This can lead to a more fulfilling career and professional growth.
As you use your strengths to set and achieve goals, you’ll also learn what areas of your life need improvement. For example, if you are an introvert, you might discover that you need more social connection than you thought. You can then focus on ways to improve your relationships with others.
Self-discovery can be challenging, especially when you encounter parts of yourself that you don’t like. However, you must understand that these areas of your personality are necessary to help you become the best version of yourself.
Achieving your goals takes time and practice. Developing a routine incorporating healthy habits and mindfulness practices is important. Finding a support system that can help you through difficult times and provide encouragement when needed is also helpful. This can include friends, family members, and professional coaches. Throughout the process, remember to stay motivated and take it one step at a time. Your journey toward self-discovery will be well worth it in the end. Start your journey by taking a strengths assessment if you haven’t already.