By Coach Meg
Wellcoaches Corp.
Listen to the 50 minute coaching session here:
Segment 1Segment 2Coaching clears the fog and brings clarity and working with Leslee was no exception. While she came to our session seeking strategies for fixing herself, what she uncovered was a need to practice self-love. And one way to do that is to rediscover her strengths.
For most of us, our deficits and how to overcome our challenges occupy our thoughts. The call to look at strengths can seem unnatural. So, why shine the light on strengths?
First, it's exhausting to focus on weaknesses. Like a left-handed person, trying to write with his right hand, it takes more energy and concentration to use skills that we are not comfortable with. When we wrestle with our weaknesses, it's hard work. Conversely, focusing on our strengths comes with ease and generates energy.
Second, whatever we focus our thoughts upon grows. When we focus on our weaknesses they loom larger and more impenetrable. When we focus on our strengths, we feel more able, more resourceful, and our thinking is more creative, flexible, and expansive.
If you want it, give it. Debbie Ford says, "The world mirrors yourself back to you. If you love, nourish, and appreciate yourself internally, it will show up in your external life." If we want to receive respect and recognition from others, we have to first express respect and recognition for ourselves.
And, the simplest reason to focus on strengths - it's good to feel good. When you are trying to improve how you feel about yourself, it makes sense to start with the positives. This is not about wishing away one's weaknesses - it's about rising above them, and viewing them from above with a more positive perspective.
In the next blog, we'll explore some ideas for identifying strengths.
To download an mp3 version of this 50 minute coaching session, click here:
Segment 1Segment 2Margaret Moore, also known as “Coach Meg,” is CEO and founder of Wellcoaches Corp. in Wellesley, MA