The Fitting 5
What do I Bring to the Table? Let's find out.
Kretzmann's idea of finding strengths within a community to encourage self help, and move away from dependence, has resonated with me. I see strengths in others, and this simple observation is encouraging. If I can begin to see the many strengths of a community, I can also help them utilize their talents.
1. Learner (Strategic Thinking)
Description: People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
Learners are supposed to reflect on how they learn. They are usually very good at this type of reflection, and this being my first strength, I’d say I’d agree. I learn best by teaching others, and reflecting is a good way to provide closure for myself in any activity I am involved in. My positivity and activator themes may help me encourage the adoption of new things. I believe this helps me to be a better learner because I’d enjoy, and help others enjoy, adapting to new situations, technology, or ways of doing every day processes. I feel like this particular theme fits me because I keep a list of questions that I think of during the day, and then at night during my calm time, or if I am bored, I research them for fun to continually learn. I know so many random facts and concepts because I research the random questions that pop into my head.
2. Empathy (Relationship Building)
Description: People exceptionally talented in the Empathy theme can sense other people’s feelings by imagining themselves in others’ lives or situations.
This is my FAVORITE trait about myself. I love that it allows me to connect with others and help them express their thoughts. It usually leads to better emotional relationships, and people frequently come to me for advice or comfort. I try to utilize this strength in every day situations as much as possible, and I seek situations in which I can empathize with others more. I am currently working on expanding my vocabulary, as this allows me to easily identify what the other person is feeling and communicate it back to them. It is one thing for me to experience other’s emotions as my own, but I enjoy being able to find a perfect word to describe what they’re feeling when they are at a loss for words.
It clicks, it fits, it ships.
In the description of empathy, I saw something that caught my eye. I always look for what the next step to helping others with this gift is. StrengthsFinder suggests I work on my non-verbal communication. As I become a better empathizer, I will be able to communicate that I understand what they are going through without saying a word. I am looking forward to developing that skill, as I think that will add even more depth to the conversations I have with others.
3. Intellection (Strategic Thinking)
Description: People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
During high school, I suffered from a mild TBI. When I went to doctors’ appointments and specialists, it became very obvious how little we understood about the brain.
It is said that we know more about outer space than we know about our own oceans, and we know more about our oceans than our own brain. Over 95% of our oceans haven’t been explored.
This has influenced my major significantly – Neuroscience. Definitely an intellectually stimulating topic - which you know I am thrilled about! Plus, connecting back to the Learner theme, I am looking to get a Ph.D. in Neuroscience so I can conduct research – I’d get to LEARN every day! This field will continually expand, but not just in knowledge. Already in 2017 the predicted job growth is over 20%, one of the highest in the country.
4. Activator (Influencing)
Description: People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. These people are often impatient.
This strength seemed the most foreign to me (as foreign as a top five strength of mine could be). I was surprised that both the intellection and activator themes encourage journaling. I have previously thought about journal keeping (never really got around to it - YET), and recently it has been brought to my attention how important and healthy writing can be. I am actively seeking ways to fit writing into my life. In addition, the activator theme encourages me to take a step back to reflect before taking action – which I am often eager to do – and ask myself WHY I want action. If I can think of why I would like to see action sooner rather than later, others are more likely to willingly act with me.
5. Positivity (Relationship Building)
Description: People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
I 100% fit the description “quick to smile.” Sometimes my cheeks hurt from smiling too much or too hard. I experience happiness so intensely, and any other happy emotions for that matter. In my calm state I usually feel pretty pleased and enjoy myself. I prefer to look on the positive side of things, which may come across as naïve to others. I assure those people, I am happy with conscious effort and thought. Before making big decisions, I think about all possible outcomes and how I’d act in each situation to have the best outcome. I generally think of ways to handle problems that may occur, so it is a more positive experience for everyone involved.