I really enjoyed this strength finders project. Actually, that's a lie...At first I hated it. I was really frustrated with my strengths and felt like compared to everyone else in the group, I was seen as the weak, wimpy kid. But therein lied my problem-I was comparing myself to other people. So once I stepped back from the situation and reflected on my strengths, I was grateful for my strengths. (Once again I related this experience to the gospel-this must be the cause of seeking out Christ in the Book of Mormon, because lately everything centers back down on the gospel. But this experience made me think of the talents God gives us and how we are supposed to expand upon those talents. These strengths of mine, they come from Heavenly Father and they make me the person that I want to be-so for that I am grateful.)
So here are my strengths, in detail:
1st: Individualization
Driven by your talents, you enhance your own quality of life each time you reach out to someone in need. Intrigued by the unique qualities of each person, you are impatient with generalizations or 'types' because you don't want to obscure what is special and distinct about each person. This theme explains why you pick your friends just the right birthday gift, why you know one person prefers praise in public and another detests it, and why you tailor your teaching style to accommodate one person's need to be shown and another's desire to figure it out as I go. Chances are good that you naturally enjoy watching people. Because you are such a keen observer of other people's strengths, you can draw out the best in each person.
To those of you who know me well, you know I hate it when people 'put me in a box'. I am not someone who belongs in a box and I will surprise you every time. This is because I want you to see the distinct differences in me and I don't want you to obscure what is special about me. This is why when a friend puts together a gift that reminds me of my grandma, it becomes one of the most important things I have ever received. Because it shows me that you know what is special about me. This strength defines me completely-all of my friends are different and this is why I can love each of them so specifically. It also helps me to incorporate everyone's talents into a project or group. (In a sense, this is a form of my leadership.)
2nd: Input
You are inquisitive. You collect things-information, words, facts, books, quotations, or tangible objects. Yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. You really don't feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. Its interesting. It keeps your mind fresh and perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable. You sometimes feel you could accomplish bigger things in the future if only you know more.
Your mind is open and absorbent. You naturally soak up information the same way a sponge soaks up water. But just as the primary purpose of the sponge is not to permanently contain what it absorbs, neither should your mind simply store information. Input without output can lead to stagnation. As you gather and absorb information, be aware of the individuals and groups that can benefit from your knowledge, and be intentional about sharing with them.
This explains why as a child I always asked, "Why? Why? Why?" I need to know everything and I want to include everyone in on what I've learned. (even if they could care less about the world of pharmacy!)
3rd: Learner
You love to learn. You will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more then the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences-yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about a new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one.
Be a catalyst for change. Others might be intimidated by new rules, new skills, or new circumstances. Your willingness to soak up this newness can calm their fears and spur them into action. Take this responsibility seriously.
I love this concept! This is so me! I love to learn everything and anything-its why I have so many books, ORIN! I also love that it tells me that I should be a catalyst for change-what an awesome call to do something great.
4th: Restorative
You love to solve problems. Whereas some are dismayed when they encounter yet another breakdown, you can be energized by it. You enjoy the challenge of analyzing the symptoms, identifying what is wrong, and finding the solution. You enjoy bringing things back to life. You fixed it, resuscitated it, rekindled its vitality. Phrasing it the way you might, you saved it.
Give yourself a break. Your restorative talents might lead you to be overly self-critical. Let other people solve their own problems. You might want to rush in and solve things for them, but by doing that you might hinder their learning. Seek opportunities to enhance your abilities through a demanding field, activity, or endeavor that requires exceptional skill and/or knowledge.
I love to fix problems?! I don't believe it! Just kidding. Obviously this is me. I try and fix things-even when there is no solution. And I pound my head against the brick wall constantly. I also do need to give myself a break-cause I am ridiculously hard on myself when I can't fix something or when I feel stagnant.
5th: Woo. (yeah, thats right, I'm a woo-er. GET OVER IT.)
Some people shy away from starting up conversations because they worry about running out of things to say. You don't. Not only are you rarely at a loss for words; you actually enjoy initiating with strangers because you derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection. By nature, you may feel the absence of your friends more deeply then some people do. Perhaps you long for the emotional support these individuals provide when miles separate you or circumstances make communication impossible.
Recognize the power of your presence and how you open doors for an exchange of ideas. By simply starting conversations that engage others and bring talented people together, you will take performance up a notch-or several.
I fought and I kicked and I complained about this strength; but it is me almost completely. I do engage others and I NEVER run out of things to talk about. I actually found out that less then 5% of the total population is a 'woo'-so this is actually a rare quality and something to be embraced. I see the value in making new friends, but I also understand the importance of my close friends. In fact, I am able to find safe people to lean on for emotional support. (Comeon! That is totally me!)
~*~*~*~*~*~
So there you have it folks-my strengths. I'm the total package and absolutely unique and amazing. I'm constantly seeking out learning and fighting fiercely for my friends. I'll try to solve your problems and love you throughout them all-even if I see where you are failing. And when it comes to those of you who are close to me, just know that I will always cherish you for who you are and that the distance (whether figurative or literal) breaks my heart. Often in my friendships and relationships, I want to know why and as long as you are open and honest with me, I'll remain loyal and love you intensely-but if you try to keep something from me or shut me out, I'll bang my head against that proverbial wall while locking my 'true' self away. And as for the gospel, well this is why my testimony is deep and true. I sought it out and I know because I know.
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