We all want to live fulfilling, impactful lives. But in a world overflowing with advice on who to become and how to improve, we often forget to start with who we already are. Knowing your strengths isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. It steers your career, sharpens your decision-making, and boosts your confidence. Jill, host of Start With Small Steps, shares a compelling personal journey on how understanding her strengths helped her stop chasing someone else’s path and start owning her own.
Know What You’re Good At—And What You’re Not
Jill’s epiphany began early in life. Like many of us, she realized some things came naturally—math, science, and technology—while others, like writing, were a grind. Her early frustration with writing, despite immense effort, highlighted an important truth: not every struggle leads to success. She wasn’t a terrible writer, but she was never going to be exceptional at it.
Instead of forcing improvement in areas of weakness, Jill leaned into her natural talents. Math and science excited her. Problem-solving gave her energy. And when she followed that path, everything changed—her grades improved, her sense of direction sharpened, and ultimately, her confidence soared.
Interest vs. Strength: How They Intersect
While passion is often hyped as the key to success, Jill makes an important distinction: interest isn’t enough. True growth happens when passion intersects with skill. Her love for astronomy, math quizzes with her dad, and natural curiosity in technology weren’t just hobbies—they were signals pointing to where she could truly thrive.
Instead of fixating on improving weaknesses, she suggests we follow the trail of things that energize us, where time disappears and flow kicks in. That’s where your strengths lie, waiting to be developed.
Discovering Hidden Strengths with Feedback and Tools
Jill didn’t discover all her strengths on her own. Feedback from coworkers, performance reviews, and assessments like the Clifton Strengths Finder helped her uncover traits she never noticed. One colleague praised her uncanny ability to bring people together and communicate complex ideas simply—an insight that expanded her view of herself.
Tests like CliftonStrengths and the High Five Test aren’t just about career alignment; they uncover the essence of how we naturally function in the world. Traits like “lifelong learner” or “system thinker” might sound abstract but can point to powerful, applicable skills in leadership, innovation, or communication.
Real-Life Transformation: From Imitation to Authenticity
A defining moment came when Jill tried to mimic a high-achieving coworker to climb the corporate ladder. She studied this woman’s behavior, tried to replicate her methods, and shaped herself in someone else’s image. But it wasn’t working—until a business trip revealed a pivotal truth.
After delivering a standout presentation to a struggling client, that very coworker admitted, “I could never do what you just did.” It was a wake-up call. Jill had been undervaluing her unique strengths all along. From that moment, she shifted gears—not trying to become someone else, but striving to become the best version of herself.
The result? Recognition, two promotions, and a surge of professional momentum that came from aligning her work with her true capabilities.
Takeaways for Everyday Life
So, how do you identify and use your strengths in practical ways?
- Start with observation. What comes naturally to you? Where do you lose track of time?
- Ask others. Friends, colleagues, and mentors often see your strengths more clearly than you do.
- Use tools. Personality and strengths assessments can offer new perspectives and vocabulary around your skills.
- Lean in strategically. Match your tasks, projects, and goals with your strongest skills to maximize satisfaction and impact.
- Avoid blind imitation. Admire others, but don’t aspire to be them. Instead, learn from them and integrate what works for you.
Conclusion: Build Your Life Around What Already Works
The core message of Jill’s story is simple but powerful: stop trying to be someone else. There is immense freedom and power in knowing what you’re good at and crafting a life around those capabilities. In a time when the world offers countless options, the clearest path forward might be the one where you already shine. Discover your strengths, trust them, and let them guide your next steps—one small step at a time.