We should consider a different approach when it comes to valuing our strengths. Instead of solely focusing on tasks that require hard effort, we should also appreciate those tasks we accomplish with ease, almost as if they are play and a natural part of our lives. It’s essential to shift our perspective and value tasks we naturally excel at, rather than only those that demand extra effort or those we don’t particularly enjoy

The concept for the valued works.

We often place a high value on tasks or achievements that seem to require significant effort, lengthy learning processes, or complex solutions. Why is that? Why do we, as human beings, believe that the right answers or valuable insights must be intricate and complicated to come by?

In my work, I’ve observed a surprising reaction from some patients. They appear disappointed when informed that they don’t need medication for their symptoms or discomforts but simply need to adopt a straightforward exercise routine or change a habit. Some even express frustration, remarking, “Even elementary school children could suggest that. What did I pay insurance for?”

However, it’s essential to understand that simplicity can be profoundly effective. Simple actions like moving your feet up and down ten times every hour can prevent blood clots. Similarly, stretching fifteen times can alleviate discomfort in the discs and muscles.

Really, difficulties are valued?

This same concept applies across various facets of life. We often assume that the secrets behind successful individuals or the tricks that lead to their success are elusive or extraordinarily unique. Yet, many successful individuals consistently emphasize the importance of mindset and the clarity of knowing what one truly desires. Such advice may seem too simplistic, leading many to question its validity. Why do we inherently believe success must be tied to something rare or extraordinary?

This mindset could potentially cause us to overlook or undervalue the innate talents and skills we’re born with. Instead of searching for external “secrets,” perhaps it’s time to honor and harness our inherent abilities.

Assume.

I recently discussed a thought-provoking question with a few scholars: Why do we value hard and challenging tasks more than those we can do easily? Some scholars theorized that, historically, humans have flaunted their ability to tackle challenges. This might manifest in displays of physical strength, like stacking large stones or in hierarchical power dynamics. As these practices were passed down through generations, we may have been conditioned to believe that more challenging work is inherently more valuable, while tasks that come quickly to us are less so.

Awareness of given Talents

As a consultant specializing in identifying individual strengths to guide career paths, I’ve seen firsthand how this age-old perception can influence career choices. It can lead us to undervalue our innate talents. For instance, my second nature is creating a brand concept based on someone’s inherent strengths. I can come up with 4-5 unique ideas for an individual within two minutes. Yet, organizing my office might take me a month, and I might never feel it’s complete.

Before recognizing that leveraging innate talents is crucial for career development, I rarely acknowledged my strengths. Instead, I focused on my organizational shortcomings, critiqued myself for lacking certain skills, and admired those who excelled in areas I struggled with. One primary reason for this oversight was the ease with which I performed tasks tied to my natural abilities; they felt almost too effortless to be considered skills.

Marcus Buckingham and Clifton Strengths Test

A standout guide for discovering our innate strengths is Marcus Buckingham’s book, “Love and Work”. Additionally, the Clifton Strengths test, conducted by Gallup, is another valuable resource for this purpose. In fact, I’ve recommended both Marcus Buckingham’s book and the Clifton Strengths tool to members of our online community, “Soul & Study“. This community focuses on career development for women, and these resources have proven to be instrumental in guiding individuals on their career paths.

Markus Buckingham delves into the phenomenon of individuals often overlooking or undervaluing their innate talents. Through personal anecdotes, including stories about himself and his friends, combined with his extensive research, he provides compelling insights. The other study also indicates that employers or job recruiters don’t just prefer hard workers; they value those who are naturally inclined or suited for the job.

How to find.

We should consider a different approach when it comes to valuing our strengths. Instead of solely focusing on tasks that require hard effort, we should also appreciate those tasks we accomplish with ease, almost as if they are play and a natural part of our lives. It’s essential to shift our perspective and value tasks we naturally excel at, rather than only those that demand extra effort or those we don’t particularly enjoy.

In our daily lives, we often perform tasks that come easily to us without giving them a second thought. These could be activities like making the bed, cooking pasta, walking the dog, changing a light bulb, or even something as simple as removing a splinter without any pain.

1. Identify Your Effortless Tasks: Begin by listing down tasks that you can do effortlessly. These activities might seem mundane, but they are a testament to skills you’ve honed over time.
2. Reflect and Appreciate: After listing these tasks, take a moment to think about how you acquired these skills. Did they come naturally to you, or did you develop them over time? Give yourself credit for these abilities and appreciate the little efficiencies you bring to your daily life.
3. Invest in Your Natural Abilities: Dedicate some time to further refine these skills. Could you perhaps enhance your pasta recipe? Or assist others in tasks you find simple?

You’ll be amazed at the open doors when you lean into these tasks. Putting a little extra effort into activities you naturally excel at can unearth a wealth of opportunities and add value to your everyday life.