I am currently working on my masters and in my class “Technology in Kinesiology” I watched a video on being strengths focused (video) and have been asked to write a brief response on it. I thought this would be a good way to share with all of you this thought on strengths.
I think it is such a cool thing (although frustrating at times) that each and every one of us have different strengths and weaknesses. We all have unique passions and abilities and it always amazes me how things come together when working along side other people. Also, if you know me, I have a huge passion for always learning and improving on “self”. I spend a lot of time looking inward and discovering and exploring what my own strengths and weaknesses are and attempting to learn and grow so I can better help others.
This video is interesting to me because he makes some great points about channeling our own character based on what we are good at and using that towards our career and relationships. We live in a society that is greatly over focused on our weaknesses that we end up in a cyclical pattern of being mediocre at everything rather than being great at something. I agree with Marcus Buckingham on that point. Think about you fitness or health. What are areas of your self that discourage you from reaching your health goals? How often do you look at your strengths and use that to motivate you?
Working in the field of athletics and fitness I often come across questions like “What do I need to do to lose weight?” or I hear comments like “I just really need to start running”. I will use this as a brief example… I hate running distance! I am a sprinter through and through. But, like so many others, when I think of improving my fitness I automatically think I need to run, and I cringe at the thought! It is not my strong point. Definitely my weakness. When I portray that to others I always get the “you just need to do it more to get better at it”. I respectfully disagree! I believe it is important to use your strengths to your advantage, especially in the area of health and fitness. Find something you enjoy doing that gets your heart rate up! Mix up your workouts so you stay fresh and not burnt out. Find what you are good at and “run” with that!
At the same time I disagree with Marcus Buckingham. I am a strong believer of discovering your weaknesses and taking them head on. Building yourself and taking the challenge of not always doing what you are good at. I believe our society also uses a “strength focus” as an excuse to not have to do things they dont like doing.
When talking about fitness, sometimes we just have to get up off the couch and get out the door, grit our teeth and go! Focusing on strengths is different than Doing What You Like To Do.
How does this concept look in your life? What are your thoughts on this video and idea?
Jeremy Davidson
“Never Stop Exploring”
Athletics 