Each person possesses a unique set of qualities that define who they are. These qualities, often referred to as personal strengths, are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Here’s why they matter and how you can unlock your inner power!
 

Understanding personal strengths
 

Personal strengths are the inherent traits, qualities and abilities that make you who you are. They are the aspects of your character that come naturally to you and empower you to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. These strengths can encompass a wide range of attributes, including positive character traits, skills and talents, values and beliefs, passions and interests, as well as coping mechanisms.
 

Positive character traits are qualities like kindness, empathy, honesty, and resilience. Your skills and talents are abilities such as creativity, leadership, problem-solving and communication. Your deeply held beliefs, such as integrity, social justice and environmental consciousness, contribute to your strengths. Your interests, whether in art, science, sports or other fields, can also be sources of strength. How you handle stress, adversity and setbacks can also be considered a strength.

Why these things matter
 

Understanding and leveraging your personal talents is crucial for several reasons including self-awareness, improved relationships, boosted confidence, goal achievement and resilience. Recognizing your strengths fosters self-awareness, helping you understand your unique qualities and how they shape your life. Awareness of your strengths can enhance your interactions with others and allow you to appreciate their strengths and work together effectively.

Embracing your strengths bolsters self-esteem and confidence, enabling you to tackle challenges with a positive mindset. Identifying your strengths helps you set and achieve goals that align with your natural talents and passions. When you encounter obstacles, your unique strengths can serve as tools to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger.
 

Discovering your strengths
 

Exploring and identifying your individual strengths is a process of self-discovery. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find yours!
 

Start with self-reflection. Take time for introspection and reflect on moments when you felt confident, accomplished or truly yourself. What qualities or skills were at play during those moments?

Then move on to feedback. Seek feedback from friends, family and colleagues. They may offer valuable insights into your strengths that you hadn't considered.

Next comes a strengths assessment. Consider using strengths assessments or surveys like the VIA Survey of Character Strengths or the CliftonStrengths assessment. These tools can provide structured insights into your strengths.
 

Begin to pursue your passions. Engage in activities that genuinely excite you. The things you are passionate about often align with your strengths.
 

It may also be a good idea to journal. Keep a journal to record moments when you feel at your best or when you excel. Analyze these moments for common themes or attributes.

Leveraging your strengths

Once you've identified where your strengths lie, the next step is harnessing them to enhance your life. How can you do this? Set goals, practice mindfulness, continually develop, contribute to others and balance your weaknesses. 

Align your goals with your strengths. If creativity is a strength, pursue a creative project or career. If empathy is a strength, consider roles that involve helping others. Be mindful of your strengths in your daily life. Recognize when you're using them and how they contribute to your success.

You’ll want to continue to develop your strengths. Take courses, seek mentors and engage in activities that allow you to hone and expand your abilities. Use your strengths to benefit others. Whether through mentoring, volunteering or helping friends and family, your strengths can have a positive impact on those around you.

While focusing on strengths is important, acknowledge your weaknesses and work on mitigating them when necessary. This balance ensures a well-rounded approach to personal development.
 

Help the youth in our community

Your unique qualities are what make you extraordinary! Sometimes it's hard for at-risk youth to embrace and leverage their strengths, and through DREAM’s mentoring programs, we can help them live a more fulfilled, confident and successful life. If you want to volunteer with DREAM, know that we’re always looking for mentors to join our team! Contact us today to learn more.