Often, we overlook or undervalue our natural talents and skills, focusing instead on areas where we think we fall short. However, tapping into your strengths not only boosts your self-esteem but also provides clarity about what makes you unique and capable.

Here are my 10 practical tips to help you elicit your strengths.

1. Reflect on Your Past Successes

Think about moments when you felt proud, accomplished, or recognized for your efforts. What skills or qualities did you demonstrate in those situations?

How to reflect: Create a list of specific accomplishments—big or small. For each one, write down what you did well and how you contributed to the success. Patterns may start to emerge, revealing your key strengths.

2. Ask Trusted People for Feedback

Friends, family, colleagues, or mentors can provide valuable insights into the qualities that make you stand out.

What to ask: Reach out to people who know you well and ask questions like, What do you think I’m naturally good at? What strengths do you notice in me? You may be surprised by how much they see that you’ve overlooked.

3. Take Strengths Assessments

There are many tools and assessments designed to help you identify your core strengths. These can offer a structured way to explore your talents and understand how to use them effectively.

What to try: Popular options include the CliftonStrengths assessment, the VIA Character Strengths survey, and personality tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Use the results as a starting point for deeper self-reflection.

4. Notice What Energizes You

Strengths are often tied to activities that leave you feeling energized and fulfilled. Pay attention to tasks or experiences that light you up and make time fly.

What to do: Keep a journal for a week, noting when you feel most engaged and excited. Look for common themes, such as problem-solving, creativity, or connecting with others, which may point to your strengths.

5. Identify Your Natural Skills

Think about the skills or abilities that come easily to you. These are often things you do without much effort or things you’ve mastered quickly compared to others.

How to reflect: Write down the skills people often ask you for help with or praise you for. These could range from technical abilities to interpersonal skills, like active listening or conflict resolution.

6. Consider What You’re Passionate About

Passion and strengths often go hand in hand. When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to invest time and energy into developing skills in that area.

What to explore: Reflect on hobbies, causes, or topics that excite you. Are you passionate about teaching, creating, or leading? Your passions can reveal areas where your strengths naturally align.

7. Recall Challenges You’ve Overcome

Think about a time when you faced adversity. What personal traits or skills helped you persevere? How did you handle the situation? These insights can uncover strengths you may not have recognized before.

8. Pay Attention to Compliments

he next time someone praises you, pause and reflect on what they’re acknowledging. Is it your creativity, your ability to stay calm under pressure, or your knack for organizing? Write these down and see if a pattern emerges.

9. Experiment with New Activities

Take a class, join a group, or volunteer for a project that interests you. As you experiment, notice what feels natural and rewarding, and consider how these new experiences align with your existing strengths.

10. Align Strengths with Your Values

Reflect on your values—what’s most important to you in life? Then consider how your strengths can support those values. For example, if you value connection, strengths like empathy and communication may shine.

Uncovering your strengths is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It’s not about being good at everything but about recognizing and embracing what makes you uniquely you. Once you identify your strengths, consider how you can use them more intentionally in your personal and professional life.

Remember, your strengths are not static—they can grow and evolve over time. Celebrate your natural abilities and continue to build on them. By understanding and leveraging your strengths, you’ll not only achieve greater success but also feel more confident and aligned with your purpose.