Work doesn’t have to suck, let’s make it better together
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We are hard-wired to focus on our weaknesses and threats.
It’s what helped us survive as a species, without this innate obsession, we literally wouldn't be here.
But it doesn’t serve us in the modern world and certainly not in the workplace. Focusing on threats and weaknesses, means we get into defense mode.
The creative part of our brain shuts down as we focus on survival. Our ability to ideate and innovate diminishes. If you think your job doesn’t involve ideation and innovation, I challenge you to rethink your work.
Most of us are managing relationships with colleagues, and clients, exploring how to improve processes, create great experiences and solve user issues at least in part of our job. We are constantly making micro-decisions, and finding solutions using the creative part of our brains.
When we focus on where we are strong, what comes naturally to us, and where we feel in the flow the opposite happens. We can think more broadly, more ideas and solutions come naturally, and we can think beyond the task at hand and develop mastery and excellence.
We have loads more on strengths here.
A Better Work Tweak - Find your strengths
So what can you do to start focusing on strengths?
To get started on this self-discovery journey, try this simple exercise to identify your strengths.
Exercise 1: Uncover Your Strengths
Set aside 20 minutes of undisturbed time and grab a pen and paper. This exercise is all about you, so turn off all distractions and notifications.
Step 1: Make a List of Your Natural Talents
Write down at least 10 things you excel at. If you struggle to come up with ideas, consider the following prompts:
What do you excel at in your work?
What do you bring to your relationships?
What would your friends say about you?
What does your family always depend on you for?
Step 2: Identify Your Proudest Moments
Make a list of at least 10 things you are proud of. If you need help, consider the following prompts:
What have people complimented you for?
What challenges have you overcome?
What achievements you're most proud of?
Reflect on all aspects of your life. Go back as far as you like, to when you were a child.
Step 3: Look for Patterns
Take a moment to review your lists and see if there are any patterns that stand out to you. What do you notice?
Keep this exercise handy as a reference and continue to build on it as time goes on.
By intentionally and regularly focusing on your strengths, you'll be able to approach your work (and life) in a way that plays to your strengths. This will make learning easier, work flow better, and give you a greater sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from your work 😉
Michelle Wallace
Founder
A Better Work
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