The Strengths you already have (waiting to be used).


Reader

Have you ever taken a personality or strengths quiz, felt like it nailed you, and then done absolutely nothing with the results?

You're not alone. Most of us collect this kind of self-knowledge like trading cards. Interesting to look at, rarely put to use.

The right assessment, used the right way, can do a lot more than satisfy curiosity. It can show you where you naturally focus your energy, how you make decisions, and what actually makes you feel more like yourself.

It's why I have my clients take a handful of assessments before we ever start building a system together. The goal isn't more data. It's a more satisfying life.

An assessment directly linked to a more satisfying life is character strengths, not to be confused with talent-based strengths like CliftonStrengths, which measures your natural talents: how you think, work, and get things done. Useful, but it's about performance. Character Strengths measures character instead: the traits connected to who you are, not just what you're good at producing. In the VIA Character Strengths assessment, you approximately three to seven top (signature) strengths and research has found that using one of them in a new way for just a week can increase happiness and decrease depression for up to six months.

That's not a small return for something this simple.

Here's how to put it to work:

If you want to figure out which of your top character strengths, consider three questions: Does it energize you instead of draining you? Does it feel automatic instead of effortful? Do you lose track of time while you're doing it?

If you want a productivity system that finally sticks, consider building it around your top strengths instead of forcing yourself into one that fights your wiring. Curious people need flexible systems. People high in love of learning need built-in space to explore, not just execute.

If you're stuck between two decisions, consider asking which option lets you use more of your signature strengths. It's a fast way to cut through indecision.

Fun fact: Humor is one of my signature strengths, and it took me years to stop hiding it in my business because I worried it would undermine my expertise. Leaning into it instead of around it has been one of the better decisions I've made.

The productivity world spends a lot of energy telling you to fix what's weak. What if the better use of your energy is building more of what's already strong?

If you'd like to learn more, check out Episode #332 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

You already have what you need to feel more like yourself. It's just waiting to be used a little more often.

💜

Lisa


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Positively_Lisa

I’m Lisa Zawrotny, a Productivity Coach, host of the Positively Living® Podcast, and founder of Positively Productive Systems, on a mission to redefine productivity with compassion. I help overwhelmed clients ditch hustle culture and design shame-free, personalized systems that lead to sustainable success—without burnout or sacrificing what they love. I believe productivity is meant to support a more satisfying, joy-filled life. For me, that means road-tripping with my husband and teens, making music with my family and friends, and inspiring others with my voice. One of my favorite ways to recharge is curling up with a book, an iced coffee, and a cat on my lap. ------------------------------------------- Check out the resources I offer below and request my Toolkit to reduce overwhelm, boost energy, and align your actions with your values!

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