Everyone is good at something. For example, I like to think I’m creative, sympathetic, introspective, and understanding. But on my bad mental health days (and weeks, and months…) it’s hard for me to remember that. Instead, there’s a little voice in my head that tells me I’m useless, not good at anything, and no one likes me.
Why should I identify my personal strengths?
Studies have repeatedly shown that identifying your personal strengths helps your mental health:
“Findings from the literature have shown that individuals’ strengths are related to mental health improvement. These strengths can bring about positive outcomes in various aspects of life as satisfaction, functional status or health status, and have the potential to aid mental health recovery” (Xie 2013).
There’s actually a whole method of therapy centered around personal strengths, called the strengths-based approach. Everyone can benefit from it, but it’s especially helpful for people with low self-esteem or those who have experienced abusive relationships.
Examples of personal strengths
Accepting
Detail-oriented
Easygoing
Friendly
Humble
Industrious
Multi-tasker
Open-minded
Perseverant
Results-oriented
So how do I identify my personal strengths?
Every time I see a new therapist or have an inpatient stay, one question I always get asked is, “What are your personal strengths?” When I’m put on the spot like that, I can never think of an answer. My mind goes completely blank and I struggle to come up with anything. Often, though, if I’m given examples I can say “yeah, I’m pretty good at that” or “no, that definitely doesn’t apply to me”.
On the bright side, I know I’m not the only person with this problem. And luckily, I compiled a list of over 150 personal strengths that someone might have, and I’m giving it away to help others! I also included a page to write down all of the ones that apply to you, with space for you to come up with your own!
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