And if I’ve learned anything in that time, it’s this:
Strengths are one of the most powerful tools for creating sustained success, joy, and alignment — in work and in life.
This isn’t just about performance reviews or team dynamics (though strengths work wonders there).
It’s about how we move through the world.
How we lead, how we parent, how we navigate decisions and transitions — and how we become the best version of ourselves.
Strengths Aren’t Just for Work — They’re for Life
It’s easy to categorize strengths as a workplace development tool.
That’s where many people first encounter them — at a retreat or in a team workshop.
But strengths aren’t just a work strategy. They’re a life strategy.
I’ve leveraged strengths with my family since my children were young. It’s become our shared language — a compass for understanding ourselves and one another.
And now, as my son stands on the edge of a big life decision — college — I’m watching the long game pay off.
He’s exploring incredible programs and exciting opportunities. Higher education takes a lot of heat, but there’s a lot to love in the university-setting.
But more important than the flash of the moment is this question I keep bringing him back to:
What lights you up?
Because that’s what will sustain him. Not just in college, but in life.
It’s Not Just What You Can Do — It’s What Fuels You
My son has a brilliant engineering and math mind. He’s capable of a lot. But strengths-based living invites a deeper layer of discernment.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean it’s aligned.
I keep encouraging him — and everyone really — to notice the nuance:
- Where do you feel energized?
- Where do you feel drained?
- What are you doing because you can… and what are you doing because it fuels you?
That’s the sweet spot — where talent meets energy. Where skill meets joy. Where success becomes sustainable.
Balance Matters: Strengths Can Be Pulled or Overused
Let’s be clear — using your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses.
It doesn’t mean opting out of hard things or pretending we’re good at everything.
It means knowing how to anchor in the places that give you energy — so you have capacity when something challenging comes your way.
It means spending 80% of your time in your zone of brilliance — and using your strengths to navigate the remaining 20%.
It also means being mindful of overuse. Because even a strength, when pulled too hard or leaned on too much, can create imbalance.
It’s all about awareness. Attention. Honoring the signal of what lights you up — and knowing when you’re off track.
And then doing something about it.
The Ripple Effect Is Real
When we live and lead from a strengths-based place, we’re stronger — individually and collectively.
Teams become more collaborative.
Families become more connected.
Kids grow up with more self-awareness and less self-doubt.
Communities start to shift.
The impact is real. And it ripples.
An Invitation to You
Whether you’ve taken the CliftonStrengths assessment or not — here’s your invitation:
- What are you doing because you can?
- What are you doing because it lights you up?
- What fuels you — and where are you just functioning?
That’s the awareness strengths unlocks.
When we understand our unique design — and build lives around it — we create more than just success.
We create sustainability. We create alignment. We create joy.
And the world is better for it.
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