Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? With endless tasks demanding our attention and deadlines looming, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless march of time. But what if I told you that there’s a way to make the most of the time we have, without adding any extra hours? It all comes down to maximising our energy!
While time is a finite resource that steadily ticks away, energy knows no bounds and is within our control to increase, use or conserve. And one of the best ways to energise ourselves is by playing to our strengths.
Renowned researcher, Alex Linley, defines a strength as ‘a pre-existing capacity for a particular way of behaving, thinking or feeling that is authentic and energising to the user, and enables optimal functioning, development and performance’. This is my favourite definition because it emphasises the energising aspects of strengths, distinguishing them from weaknesses that can drain us.
Our strengths should light us up rather than deplete our resources. Often honed over time, our strengths become ingrained in our identity, fueling our confidence and proficiency. Yet when left untapped, our strengths lie dormant, which means we don’t maximise their value. Conversely, focusing on our weaknesses can lead to depletion, which is evident in both individual and team dynamics.
You can observe this within yourself and those around you. There will be certain activities that light you up and others that leave you drained. And a great activity is to work these out.
When you have a whole team (or organisation) playing to their strengths, they are energised and it shows. Energised individuals contribute their best selves, driving performance and fostering a culture of excellence. This is why focusing on strengths (not weaknesses) is the smart business strategy!
Our strengths define not only what we excel at but also what energises and fulfills us. By harnessing the power of our strengths, we can unlock untapped potential and pave the way for long-term sustainable success. You can learn more at my upcoming Masterclass on the topic.
So, what lights you up, and how can you do more of that?