How to Find Your Strengths
Many people can list their weaknesses in seconds and struggle to name a single strength. That imbalance keeps capable people from seeing what they could build on.
To find your strengths, notice what energizes you and what others ask you for help with, look at your past successes for patterns, ask people who know you well what they see, pay attention to what you learn quickly and try new things to see what clicks. Once you know your strengths, build on them deliberately while managing the weaknesses that matter most.
People often see their potential through the lens of what they are not good at. But most growth comes from building on what you already do well, and you cannot build on strengths you have never named.
Other people often see our strengths more clearly than we do. A teacher, a coach or a manager may spot something we take for granted because it comes naturally.
Five ways to find your strengths
- Notice energy. What leaves you more energized, not less?
- Notice requests. What do people ask you for help with?
- Look for patterns. What do your best moments have in common?
- Ask others. What do people who know you see?
- Try new things. Some strengths only appear when tested.
Notice what energizes you
Strengths often show up as energy. Some tasks drain you even when you do them well. Others leave you more energized. Pay attention for a week and write down which is which.
Ask people who know you
Ask three or four people you trust: what do you see as my strengths? When have you seen me at my best? Their answers are often surprising, and often more generous than your own view. People need to hear how others see them before they can see it themselves.
Look for patterns in your successes
Think about the moments you are proudest of. What did you do in each? Did you bring people together, solve a hard problem, persuade someone or stay calm under pressure? Patterns across those moments usually point to real strengths.
Build on them deliberately
Once you know your strengths, look for ways to use them more: in your role, your projects and how you help others. Manage the weaknesses that truly matter, but do not spend all your energy trying to become average at everything.
Building on strengths is part of my signature keynote, You Are Capable of More. For the bigger picture, read Human Potential: A Complete Guide, and see How to Believe in Yourself.
You cannot build on strengths you have never named. Notice what energizes you and what people ask you for, look for patterns in your successes, ask people who know you and try new things. Then build on those strengths deliberately.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my strengths?
Why is it hard to see your own strengths?
Should you focus on strengths or weaknesses?
How can managers help employees find strengths?
You Are Capable of More
A No-Excuses Guide to Becoming Your Best Self. The bestselling book behind Chris’s keynotes and the 2026 Paris Book Festival winner in the How-To category. Many teams hand a copy to every seller at their kickoff.
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