Focus on Your Strengths to Zoom Ahead

 ‘Bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘Our lecturer discussed strengths and weaknesses in class today.’

 ‘I couldn’t think of a single strength,’ said Rahul. ‘Only weaknesses.’

‘Everybody has strengths,’ said Rakesh. ‘The elephant may be strong, but ants have strengths too that give them unique advantages. However, to use your strengths effectively, you must first know them. Tell me, what are your strengths?’

Rahul scratched his head.

‘Bhaiyya, I think I’m a decent person, reasonably intelligent, ok at table tennis..’

‘Your strengths sound weak,’ smiled Rakesh. ‘Let’s hear your “weaknesses”?’

‘I’m lazy, undisciplined, easily distracted, unfit, slow, lack confidence, no initiative…’

‘Stop, stop,’ laughed Rakesh. ‘You seem to know your “weaknesses” way better than you know your strengths.’

‘True bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘How can we change this?’

‘Look at yourself as if you’re a product,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you have to advertise yourself, what will you focus on - your one strength or your many weaknesses?’

‘The one strength bhaiyya,’ said Rinku.

‘Right,’ said Rakesh. ‘Which means you must first know your strengths. Take a pen and paper and list all your skills, talents, qualities, traits – anything you perceive as your strength. Then, ask five people who know you well to list five of your strengths. That’s an arsenal of 25 strengths to choose from. Feels good?’

 ‘Wow bhaiyya,’ said Rinku after they did the exercise. ‘Sprinting, debating, writing, accounting, leadership, organizing, work hard… so many strengths.’

‘From among these strengths, now identify the one thing that gives you a clear advantage over others,’ said Rakesh. ‘It could be something unique, something you’re very good at or passionate about, where you have access to facilities, expertise, resources - anything you have and others don’t. That one thing where with a little focus, you can zoom ahead.’

‘Sprinting bhaiyya,’ said Rinku after some thought. ‘I’ve won medals, there’s a world class stadium near home with the best coaches – all unique advantages. Accounting’s another - Dad’s a famous Prof.’

‘Great, you’ve identified your biggest strengths,’ said Rakesh. ‘Now give them 80% attention, strengthen them and zoom ahead.’

 ‘But bhaiyya, why not work on my weaknesses instead?’ asked Rinku. ‘My strengths are there already.’

‘Your strengths are the easiest way to move ahead, especially when you’re not fully sure or confident,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you focus on your weaknesses instead, you’ll dilute your strengths and lose your advantage. If you’re a fast runner, work on running faster first instead of building stamina.’

‘Bhaiyya, should we completely ignore our weak areas then?’ asked Rahul.

‘What you focus on grows - so focus on your strengths to start with,’ laughed Rakesh. ‘As your strengths grow, many of your “weaknesses” diminish. And as you grow in confidence, you’ll start improving in your weak areas as well.’

‘Yes bhaiyya,’ said Rahul.

‘I feel good already,’ said Rinku.

 ‘Great,’ said Rakesh. ‘It’s time for some strong coffee I think.’

Pro Tip: Identify your biggest strengths. Focus 80% of your attention on your strengths to build a unique and clear advantage.

 

Exercise:  Write down a list of your strengths – at least 10 (awards, compliments, things that come easily). Then ask 5 people who know you well to give you five of your strengths. You may get a few that you did not expect. Put all your strengths together and focus 80% of your energy on your biggest strengths. Use only 20% on your weak areas. Working on your strengths take you further, while working on your weaknesses keeps you from slipping.

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