My life as a student

I know it was a loooooong time ago, when I was a student. But I was thinking about it this week. I'm reading a book called Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath. Like the title suggests, it's all about finding what your real strengths are. It's really kind of fascinating. Anyway...it talks about how we are always trying to get people to improve on their weaknesses instead making their strengths a priority. What an interesting concept!

For instance, I SUCK at math. I always have. I don't get it. I knew at a young age that I didn't get it and never was. In high school I had to take algebra THREE times just to pass it. Why did I have to take algebra? Also, once I got to high school and I could "choose" the classes I wanted to take, I found out I couldn't, really. I wanted to learn how to draw portraits. But I had to take 4 prerequisite art classes first. I took one. It was boring as hell because I already knew how to do everything. I got a C because I didn't do 1/2 the assignments. I never took another art class. I still don't know how to draw people. I still am not good with flow and movement and putting colors together. 

Who knows what I might have become if someone had played to my strengths instead?

So, what are my top 5 strengths? I'm so glad you were wondering! After an extensive question and answer test, on line, my results are;

1. Developer
People who are especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements.
2. Positivity
People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. Sometimes people comment on your cheerful, easygoing, or hopeful attitude. Instinctively, you likely have fun whether you win or lose a contest. Being the champion is hardly your goal.
3. Adaptability
People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow.” They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time. You sometimes resist being restricted by predetermined plans or standardized systems.
4. Belief
People who are especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
5. Intelect
People who are especially talented in the Intellectual theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

I wouldn't have picked all of those for myself because I believe something different about my capabilities. Hmmmm, curious. I remember having a really great school counselor. I wanted to grow up to be like her, to be a counselor too. Looking at my results now, I bet I would have been an excellent school counselor!

I can't wait to read the rest of it!