Leveraging what you’re good at to be successful is great.
But remember that self-awareness isn’t just about effectiveness and productivity, it’s about enjoying your life.
Every year, I work with professionals to understand what they are good at, and how it contributes.
And if that can make it easier for them to communicate their value so they get the recognition they want, that’s great.
But if it becomes a vehicle to push relentlessly, it’s less great.
I was recently doing research on leadership development. I was struck by the messages of “Don’t stop. Focus. Keep pushing. It’s 1% talent and 99% effort.”
It made me exhausted just reading it.
Yes, there are times when messages about pushing through are comforting. And those times often provide enormous learning and growth.
But if pushing through never ends, it’s a quick road to burnout.
Knowing your strengths is about knowing what energizes you.
And doing more of that isn’t just about success, it’s about enjoying your life.