Really good point on keeping your strengths top of mind. In fact, I’m going to add it to my checklist I review on Fridays for reflection. I like to use Friday’s as a weekly checkpoint.

@ Juliet

You’re right, people tend to focus on the negative and ignore the positive. One thing that’s helped me get more balanced feedback is I ask for 3 things going well and 3 things to improve.

@ Patricia

Thank you for sharing your personal story. It’s great that you’ve had a supportive family and it sounds like your earlier focus is paying off dividends in surprising ways. Your strengths support you.

I have dyscalcula and have always had trouble with math and spacial things. Everyone in my family wanted to help me, so they put me in charge of doing bookkeeping tasks and paying the bills for them – not to mention filling. In all my years, I am very good at organizing and neat of penmanship but I have not been able to think mathematically.

Then 2 years ago, I bought myself a DS player and the brain age games.
Step by step I have taught myself how to play Suduku. I do not improve on any of the math games that call for division skills or thinking skills, but I am pleased to be able to play this game and consistently get better and faster. I think it comes from so many years of writing the numbers down on paper.

I went to the web page for Dyscalcula folks last year (I didn’t know they had one) and I am very lucky that I am able to drive – I am amazed at all the folks who tell me computer apps. are easy – just follow the directions – yah right!

Interesting post

I’m glad more people are noting the importance of using and focussing on one’s strengths. There is always so much emphasis placed on improving areas of weakness. I especially see this in the work place where somehow one is expected to be this perfect “all-rounder”. Feedback seems to focus on “personal development areas” i.e. where you are weak. Even if strengths are noticed, there is never an active drive to develop them further.

Juliet

The more I hear about this book the more I think it’s something to read. Thanks for the detailed review!

That’s a good way to put it … We shape our brains by our intellectual needs and the way we live our lives.

@ Alik

It makes a lot of sense since you can get exponential results by playing to your strengths. Just improving your weaknesses won’t cut it. Also, spending time in your strengths keeps your energy high and that’s a key ingredient for results.

@ Daphne

It’s one of those interesting counter-intuitive points, but, yeah, it does make sense.

@ Jannie

Growing greater is the way to go, bigger organs and all.

@ Louisa

I think of it like a portfolio of results … invest more in your best assets.

@ Stacey

I remember when I first read it, I had to do a double take. I was hoping there was a workaround. I too was happier that shrinking meant getting smarter.

@ Giovanna

Thank you. Although a bunch of the brain is a mystery, it seems like we’re closing in on the key things that help get results.

@ Hilary

I’m really a fan of making the most of what you’ve got. I used to invest more in my weaknesses until I figured out I could get more ROI from my strengths. It makes sense in retrospect.

@ Tom

Great way to put it – we are what we make ourselves. I’m still testing my strengths and revisiting some of my earlier conclusions about what my strengths and ewaknesses are.

This post is a deep one J.D. I’ll need to return visit to ponder it fully.

Thanks JD – a really interesting post – especially it’s not what you’ve got – but what you do with it.

Hilary: Be Positive Be Happy

What an interesting post. I found the information on brain fascinating. I really enjoy reading this one.
Thank you,
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action

I also love the concept that my natural talents are supported by my brain and reinforced by nature.