Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

The earlier people recognize their abilities; the better it is for them. Early understanding helps identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can work on improving them and polishing skills that you naturally possess. Some self-analysis can help you determine your strong attributes and the gaps you need to fill to build a strong personality.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Your strengths are things you are good at. Certain virtues and skills you naturally possess or have worked on to improve are your strengths. For example, you are a patient person or very good at mathematics. Your weaknesses are natural virtues or skills that have room to improve. Identifying a skill as your weakness doesn’t mean you are bad at it. It simply means you need to work hard and turn it into strength. For example, public speaking isn’t your forte, or you have a short attention span. The question remains; how can you identify your strengths and weaknesses?

Self-Reflect and Make a List
It is time to look within. So, grab a notebook and sit down in your favorite corner. Make a list of what you think your strengths and weaknesses are. Be open-minded and analyze yourself smartly. You can ask yourself some questions, such as:

• What are my passions and hobbies? Do I like these activities because of certain skills I possess?
• What do others say I am good at?
• What kind of tasks am I able to do quickly?
• Which activities take me longer? Which skills are important for these tasks?
• In which tasks do I require assistance?

Discuss Your Strengths and Weaknesses with Someone You Trust
Others around you are also quite capable of analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. In fact, at times, your friends, teachers, and family have a better perspective of your skills because they have a better view, while you can be a little bit biased.

Go to someone you trust and who knows you well. Choose a person who would understand what you want to know, such as a mentor. A mentor can be anyone older than you who inspires you and guides you through life.

Recognize Your Value
When you look at these lists, accept your strengths and weaknesses. Understand your value. Perhaps you have more weaknesses than strengths, and that is fine. You can always work on these skills and improve them. However, accepting where you stand and recognizing your value is an important step. This helps you see where you are starting from and what you need to do to elevate your skill set.

Analyze Your Restrictions and Limits
Now that you know your skillset, you need to determine your restrictions. Why are some skills better than others? Do you lack interest, or do you simply need more experience? Finding a way to enhance skills with room to improve is important. You can also consider which career you want to pursue and work on the required skills.

Let’s Polish Those Skills!
If you wish to identify your strengths and weaknesses, one crucial step is to expose yourself to more experience. You can never have excellent communication skills without getting out there for networking. Push yourself and hustle hard to see what you are truly capable of!

Youth With A Future helps urban youth recognize the talents they possess. Through our workshops and mentorship programs, we urge these bright youngsters to dream big and assist them in making these dreams a reality.