Last time I wrote about The Ambition Trap and that got me thinking about how this relates to doing work that we enjoy and are good at – that sounds like the holy grail of jobs doesn’t it – work we love and are good at!
What are you good at? If we were having a coffee together and I asked you that question what would you say? As women, some of us might be reluctant to blow our trumpet and feel unable to reel off a long (or even short) list of our talents, if that’s the case how might that impact on our career progression I wonder?
Even if you are not looking for the next career move a reminder of our talents can be a great boost to our self-confidence. All too often in our busy lives we beat ourselves up about what we haven’t done, what we’re not very good at but how many times do we reflect on the good stuff. Go on, ask yourself – when was the last time I did that?
Why don’t you take some time now and remind yourself what you are good at. Here’s a few questions to get you started. Ask yourself –
- What do you enjoy doing most?
- What do you love about you?
- What gives you energy?
- What do others tell you that you are good at?
- What do your friends compliment you on?
- When do people tell you that you are at your best?
- What strengths are commented on in your performance reviews/appraisals?
Many women struggle with question 2 in particular – it sounds so boastful! I remember some years ago, when I was struggling to work out ‘what next’ in terms of my career my boss asked me to answer these questions. I found them difficult, partly because I had never done it before (I was mid 40’s by then …. ) and partly because I wasn’t feeling very confident about myself. However, she knew that sometimes we all need to be pushed somewhere uncomfortable to help us grow as human beings (something I have frequently talked to my coaching clients about in the years since).
Once you’ve answered these yourself, what about asking others too? Focus in on questions 4, 5 and 6, get their feedback and add it to your list. Also, what would your best friend say about you? Ask him or her and then tell them what their strengths are.
The clearer you are about your own talents the more likely you are to feel confident and show that confidence to others – where might that take you?
If you need some help exploring these questions for yourself please do get in touch, I’d love to help.