Carrie Baker – The Growth Collective

Have you ever noticed how some activities leave you feeling energised and fulfilled, while others drain you?

This isn’t just a coincidence—these feelings point to where your strengths, or weaknesses are. When we live and work from our personal strengths, we can experience more joy and satisfaction. But not just that, we also align ourselves with God’s unique design and purpose for us.

By knowing what our strengths are, we can lean into those things more where we can. Then we can shift life and work a little, away from the things that we’re not so strong in,

We are all created by God, for His good plans and purposes, and discovering our strengths is a key step in living out that calling.

Finding Your Strengths

You may know where ALL your weaknesses are, and perhaps you’re aware of some of your personal strengths, but we don’t very often take time to know ourselves as completely as we could.

Reflecting on these questions may even give you a deeper insight into where your natural talents and passions are. 

So, let’s take some time thinking over these, you could even write down your thoughts in a journal or on your device. 

Are you ready? Here we go:

• What activities make you lose track of time because you enjoy them so much? Think about those moments when hours fly by without you noticing. What are you doing during those times?

• When do you feel most confident and capable? Think about the situations where you feel able.

• What do others often come to you for help with? Sometimes, our strengths are more obvious to those around us.

• Can you remember a recent win that made you feel proud? What skills did you use? Reflect on a time when you felt a real sense of accomplishment. What were the key strengths you used to achieve that success?

• What tasks or projects do you find energising rather than draining? Pay attention to what gives you energy and leaves you feeling refreshed.

• What are those things you get complimented on by friends, family, or colleagues the most? Feedback from others can often show us our strengths.

• Which of your achievements in life are you most proud of, and why? Look at the moments that gave you a sense of fulfilment, and think about what made them significant.

• What types of problems do you enjoy solving the most? Think about the challenges that you find exciting and engaging to work out.

How did you go with these questions? Did you discover anything from those questions that you didn’t realise about yourself? 

Can you think of any follow up questions to ask yourself? Write those down too!

If faith is important to you, you will know that the Bible speaks beautifully about the unique gifts and purposes God has for each of us. I love how this particular verse communicates this:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that we are created by God with intention, equipped with specific gifts to carry out the good works He has planned for us. We are uniquely and individually made, there is no one else like you or like me, and those strengths, gifts and passions are there for a reason.

Embracing Your Strengths

So, let’s think on another question: Why is it so important to work and live from our personal strengths? 

Here are a few key reasons:

1. Authenticity: Using your own strengths helps you live in a way that is true to who you’re created to be. There is a deep strength in living your life with authenticity.

2. Effectiveness: When you live according to your strengths, you’re naturally more productive and successful.

3. Fulfilment: Living from a place of strength, or where you’re gifted, skilled and passionate, makes work and life more satisfying and enjoyable.

By recognising and embracing our God-given strengths, we can live life in all its fullness, as the Lord meant it to be. This enables us to contribute to the world around us in a true and meaningful way, as we live to fulfil God’s plans and purposes for us.

Taking the Next Step

Make time to pause, to pray and reflect, seeking God to help guide you as you uncover more about WHO He has created you to be. Your unique gifts and strengths are part of God’s beautiful design and plan. 

Make some time to:

– Pray and Listen: Ask God to reveal your strengths and help you understand how to use them in your life, for His glory. 

– Seek Feedback: Talk to friends, family, or mentors who know you well and can give you some insight into your strengths.

– Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try different things to discover hidden talents.

– Reflect Regularly: Make a habit of reflecting on your life experiences to continually uncover and refine your strengths, because they will grow and change just as you do.

By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to living a life that’s not only fulfilling for you, but also aligns perfectly with God’s purpose for you. Remember, you are uniquely made and perfectly equipped to carry out the good works that God has planned. 

Embrace your strengths and continue to step confidently into the life God has designed just for you.

Keep growing friend,

Carrie x

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