Do you ever have those days where you feel like you’re just going through the motions? You’re checking boxes, meeting deadlines, and taking care of everyone else, but a quiet voice inside whispers…
“Is this all there is?”
“There must be something more…”
If that sounds familiar, please know this: you are not alone, and you are not “stuck” forever. That feeling isn’t a sign of failure – it’s a sign of depth. It’s your inner self asking to be let out to play, to contribute in a way that feels truly, uniquely like you.
The bridge from feeling stuck to feeling energized is often built by recognizing the strengths you already have but might be overlooking. We’re so good at noticing our gaps that we become blind to our natural talents.
Think of this post as a gentle, friendly guide to taking inventory of your incredible strengths. No tests, no complex theories – just simple prompts to help you see what’s been there all along.
Why Your “Native” Strengths Are So Easy to Miss
Often, our greatest strengths feel so natural to us that we assume they’re easy for everyone. We dismiss them as “no big deal.”
- Are you the friend everyone confides in? You might dismiss that as “just listening,” but it’s actually the strength of Empathy and Connection.
- Do you naturally organize the family calendar or plan team projects? That’s not just “being busy,” it’s Logistical Thinking and Execution.
- Do you always see the potential in a messy situation? That’s Visioning and Optimism.
These aren’t small things. They are your superpowers. Let’s uncover them.
Your Gentle Strengths Inventory
Grab a cup of coffee (or your favourite hot beverage) and a notebook. Let’s ask questions in four categories to uncover your strengths from different angles. Be gentle and honest with yourself – there are no wrong answers.
1. The “What Comes Easily?” Question
- What tasks or activities do you do that leave you feeling energized, not drained?
- When does time seem to fly by for you?
- What do people often ask you for help with?
2. The “Childhood Joy” Question
- What did you love to do as a child, before the world told you what you “should” be? (e.g., organizing, creating stories, taking care of animals, leading games)
3. The “Feedback Flashback” Question
- What compliments do you often brush off? (This is a huge clue!)
- What positive words do people consistently use to describe you? (e.g., “you’re so resilient,” “you’re a great problem-solver,” “you always make people feel welcome”)
4. The “Pride” Question
- What are you genuinely proud of accomplishing? (Big or small! Getting through a tough time counts.)
My Tip: Read your list back. What patterns do you see? Circle the words that keep appearing. Those are your core strengths.
What To Do With This Beautiful List
First, just sit with it. Acknowledge these parts of yourself. This list is evidence that you are not starting from scratch. You are already whole and capable.
Then, ask yourself one powerful question:
“How could I use more of these strengths in my daily life, both at work and at home?”
Maybe it’s volunteering for a project that uses your love of teaching. Perhaps it’s setting a boundary to protect time for your creative strength. It might be starting a side project that lights you up.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
I can imagine this feels exciting but could also brings up a lot – maybe uncertainty, or fear, or just not knowing what the next step looks like – and that’s completely normal. Rediscovering yourself is a journey, and it’s okay to want a guide.
This is exactly the work I do with my clients. Together, we:
- Clarify your unique strengths and values so you know what to build on.
- Quiet the inner critic that tells you it’s “too late” or “not practical.”
- Design a practical, step-by-step plan for a career and life that feels authentically yours – one where you don’t have to abandon your responsibilities to feel fulfilled.
You deserve a life that doesn’t just look good on paper, but that feels right in your soul.
Let’s Explore Together. Book a free, no-pressure Discovery Call with me here. We’ll talk about where you are, where you’d love to be, and whether coaching is the right fit to help you get there.
Here’s to seeing yourself in a new, brighter light.
