How to Identify Your Strengths: An Inspiring List from A to Z

Do you know what your strengths are?

Focusing on our weaknesses and areas where we want to improve is easy because our subconscious mind is using negative bias.

Negative bias is a psychological phenomenon where your mind pays more attention and gives more weight to negative experiences, emotions, perspectives and information than to positive ones.

It does this to prevent you from taking risks by keeping you in your comfort zone, which can lead to a distorted perception of reality where one's focus is mainly on the negative aspects, and positive aspects about yourself are overlooked or dismissed.

To counteract this, we must recognize and cultivate our inner strengths for several reasons.

• Firstly, it helps us to build confidence and self-esteem by acknowledging our positive qualities and accomplishments.
  
  This, in turn, can lead to a more positive self-image and a greater sense of self-worth.
  
  
• Secondly, when we focus on our strengths, we are more likely to find success and fulfilment in our personal and professional lives.
  
  By identifying our natural talents and abilities, we can use them to our advantage and pursue activities and careers that align with our passions and interests.
  
  
• Finally, recognizing and cultivating our inner strengths can help us to overcome challenges and setbacks.
  
  When we face obstacles or failures, it can be easy to become discouraged and lose sight of our abilities.
  
  By focusing on our strengths and using them to problem-solve and persevere, we can build resilience and overcome adversity.
  
  

How to identify your strengths?

1. Reflect on past successes: Think about times in your life when you felt proud, accomplished, or successful.
   
   What qualities or strengths did you use to achieve those successes? Look at the list below as a source of inspiration and write down which qualities you identify with. 

2. Ask for feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues to share their perceptions of your strengths.
   
   Sometimes, others can see strengths in us that we don't recognize ourselves. This can help you to identify strengths that you might not have been aware of.

3. Take a strengths assessment: There are many online assessments that can help you identify your strengths. One popular free assessment is the 16 personality types, which provides you with a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
   
   Once you know your strengths, you can work on cultivating and leveraging them in your personal and professional life.

Here's an inspiring list of qualities, from A to Z, that can help you identify your own unique strengths and begin to harness them to achieve your goals:

A - Adaptability: If you are able to adjust and thrive in different situations.
B - Bravery: If you face your fears and take risks despite the possibility of failure.
C - Creativity: If you are able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
D - Determination: If you set goals and work hard to achieve them, even when faced with obstacles.
E - Empathy: If you are able to understand and connect with others' emotions and perspectives.
F - Flexibility: If you are able to adjust your plans and adapt to changes.
G - Gratitude: If you are able to appreciate and show thanks for the good things in your life.
H - Honesty: If you are truthful and sincere in your words and actions.
I - Independence: If you are able to think for yourself and make decisions without being influenced by others
J - Joyfulness: If you are able to find happiness and positivity in everyday life.
K - Kindness: If you are able to show compassion and consideration to others. 
L - Leadership: If you are able to motivate and guide others towards a common goal.
M - Mindfulness: If you are able to stay present and focused in the moment.
N - Nurturing: If you are able to care for and support others.
O - Open-mindedness: If you are willing to consider different ideas and perspectives.
P - Perseverance: If you are able to persist through challenges and setbacks.
Q - Quality-focused: If you are able to pay attention to details and produce work of high quality.
R - Resilience: If you are able to bounce back from difficult situations and recover quickly.
S - Self-discipline: If you are able to control your impulses and stay focused on your goals.
T - Teamwork: If you are able to work collaboratively with others towards a common goal.
U - Understanding: If you are able to listen and comprehend others' perspectives and feelings.
V - Visionary: If you are able to think and plan for the future with a clear and imaginative perspective. 
W - Wisdom: If you are able to make sound judgments and decisions based on experience and knowledge. 
X - Xenial (hospitable and friendly): If you are able to welcome and show kindness to strangers. 
Y - Youthful (having a youthful spirit or energy): If you are able to maintain a positive and energetic outlook on life.
Z - Zeal (passion and enthusiasm): If you are able to approach tasks with enthusiasm and energy.

Recognizing and cultivating your inner strengths is crucial for cultivating confidence, building self-esteem and overcoming challenges.

By embracing your unique qualities and using them to your advantage, you can better believe in your abilities, helping you to unlock your full potential so you can pursue your passions and work towards your goals.