![\"Hammer.png\"](\"https:\/\/www.scotthyoung.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/04\/hammer.png\")
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A recently popular subject in the self-improvement genre is focusing on your strengths. The idea is that a jack-of-all-trades is a master of none, therefore you should ignore your weaknesses and build on your strengths. If you\u2019re good at history and bad at chemistry, the supporters argue, you should focus on becoming the best historian in the world and forget trying to become a chemist.<\/p>\n
I disagree. While there is some merit in building your strengths, there are some glaring flaws. These flaws are large enough that I\u2019d rather scrap the entire concept and start from scratch.<\/p>\n
A strength-based outlook assumes that you love doing what you\u2019re good at. And for the most part, this is true. People tend to like the things they succeed in. People tend to dislike things they struggle with.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t always the case. I know many people who were extremely good at jobs they hated. I also know people who loved activities they were challenged by. Should I stick with something strictly because I\u2019m good at it? Raw talent isn\u2019t enough to ensure a love for what you do.<\/p>\n
I think the correlation between your strengths and passions has a more obvious explanation. If you are incredibly interested in something, you\u2019ll make yourself good at it. Someone who loves basketball will practice day and night. Someone who didn\u2019t care wouldn\u2019t be able to put in the effort.<\/p>\n
Your talents definitely have a genetic component. Your genes might help or hurt you. Until your entire genome is mapped and you have comprehensive testing, you won\u2019t know that. What you do know is your own interests. Rely on that to make a decision.<\/p>\n
I have a few personal experiences that fit with this account. When I was a kid, everyone around me said I was relatively shy and introverted. Basic personality tests gave the same picture. Clearly, activities that required me to be outgoing and sociable wouldn\u2019t be my strengths. Instead, I should stick with the academic and solitary activities I excelled at.<\/p>\n
Today I\u2019ve received my first two designations for Toastmasters and won awards for public speaking. I\u2019ve also just started on a volunteer position that requires me to be proactive in meeting new people, manage relationships and speak convincingly. I’ve had people tell me I’m a natural at public speaking or that I’m very extroverted. I\u2019m not sure I would have taken on these positions if I tried to stay within my strengths.<\/p>\n