It is often easier to see strengths in other people than in ourselves. We may worry that naming our strengths is boasting, yet many of us struggle with the opposite: we overlook the determination and perseverance that carry us through hard hours and days. This practice helps you witness your inner strength and honor it, softening any self-judgment that comes up and exploring with curiosity.
- Recall a time you attended an event, kept an appointment, or finished a task on a day when you were feeling less than your best. Consider what made the day difficult, such as your mental and emotional state, physical limits, habits, sleep, nutrition, recent events, or other obligations.
- Write out how you made your way through it. Sometimes strength shows up as saying no, so if not attending or not finishing something shows a hidden strength, you can tell that story too.
- Read your story as an outsider would. Then check off any strengths you notice from the list below, and add any others in the space at the end.
- Think of other difficult situations that called on your inner strength, and check off any further qualities you cultivated.
The checklist includes focus, commitment, determination, responsibility, consideration, understanding, patience, encouragement, empathy, listening, persistence, acceptance, kindness, loyalty, spontaneity, presence, contemplation, vulnerability, honesty, preparedness, generosity, purpose, balance, flexibility, openness, adaptiveness, collaboration, support, asking for support, authenticity, insight and intuition, eagerness, humility, trust, faith, willpower, and tenderness.
The worksheet closes with one reflection question: how might you use the list to recognize and honor your strengths on a more regular basis? Keeping a short strengths journal is one way to do that.
