Your Top 5 Strengths Are as Natural as Driving Your Car

Have you ever driven a car that wasn't yours? Maybe it was a rental car, or a friend's car, or even your spouse's car? You likely had to adjust the seat, the mirrors, and maybe even the steering wheel before you could even start moving. Not as automatic as driving your own car, right?

I was recently on a trip and had to drive a rental car. I had to get familiar with the settings, the controls, how temperamental the brake was-you get the idea. It made me think about how comfortable and natural it is to drive my own car. I hop in the driver's seat, and everything is already adjusted for me. I know where all the controls are and can effortlessly change the radio station, mode of audio, and adjust temperature settings without having to figure out where these buttons are located.

Getting into the driver's seat of a car you aren't familiar with is different. You can drive it, of course, but it just takes a little extra effort and a little extra time to figure out where all the buttons and settings are located.

Your CliftonStrengths are very similar. Your dominant strengths are like hopping in the driver's seat of your own car-effortless, instinctive, and natural. You can do it with little to no effort. It's comfortable and automatic. Your lesser strengths, on the other hand, are like hopping into the driver's seat in someone else's car. You have to put more thought into calling upon those strengths. It takes more thought and effort to apply your lesser strengths.

Just as you might fumble to locate the windshield wipers or the headlights in an unfamiliar vehicle, you may need to pause and consciously access those lesser-used strengths. Over time, with practice and repeated use, you can become more comfortable operating in these areas, but it will rarely feel as seamless as relying on your natural talents.

It's important to recognize that this doesn't mean you can't be effective when using your lesser strengths- it just might require more intentionality and patience. With repeated exposure and a willingness to learn, you can gradually build confidence operating outside your comfort zone. However, honoring your dominant strengths allows you to naturally excel and feel more energized in your daily tasks.