Who are you?

Who are you?  Can you answer this simple question in truth?  Are you afraid to accept who you are or might be?  Or do you not even have a clue about who you truly are?  If you do not know, don’t fret.  People can go years, sometimes their entire life, and never know who they are.  And while that sounds scary, it’s usually because they stop really looking. You first have to be willing to accept that there should be more in your life.  That is, of course, if that statement is to be true.  You answer that statement by asking “are you happy?”  If you pause with your answer... the answer is most likely no.  And that is alright.  There is always time for a change.  But “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.”

My change happened gradually.  I recently went on a business trip and on this trip I found the passion that drives me.  Though it wasn’t until I got home that I realized what that was.  I was able to reflect on what my truest passion is.  And I was helped to find that through the results of taking the “Strength Finder 2.0” test.  I HIGHLY suggest getting this book and taking its test.  Easily found at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.

This test uses a very complex algorithm to sum up your top 5 personality strengths based on how you answer the given questions.  Everyone I know who has taken this test says it hit the nail on the head.  

After you take the 30 minute timed test, you see what your top 5 strengths are.  You read about these strengths.  And then it is your job to learn what those strengths mean and UTILIZE THEM!

For example, my number one Strength is Futuristic.  Simply meaning: I’m always focusing on the future and where it will take me.  And it has taken me to some amazing places and amazing adventures.  But it’s funny; while that is my number one Strength and I’m not shocked by it, it wasn’t until after the test and some important soul searching that I realized how powerful that Strength is.  I didn’t realize that that Strength has been running my life for a long time.  THAT and my other top 5 strengths alongside the first.

Here is my perfect example: two years ago I left a perfectly good job.  Good pay, good security, a consistent schedule, and relatively no fear in it. But there was something that was pulling me away.  No matter how hard I tried, there was this deep calling, yanking, luring me away from there.  I had taken everything I needed from this establishment.  I no longer had any use for them.  

Now, looking back to those days, knowing what my strengths are, I see full well why I needed to leave. While it didn’t make sense to some of my colleagues, it made complete sense to me. My colleagues have different strengths than I do. Good luck finding anyone who has three of the same top five strengths that you have.

Fast forward to the present;  I’m doing things that I never would have if I would’ve stayed at my d job. Sure, there was risk involved. Sure, I was scared out of my mind in many different ways. But the governing strengths that make up what I am directed me to exactly what I was supposed to do. And instead of fighting it, I relished in it.

Though, I found myself losing what I thought was my ultimate passion.  I love what I do but that same excitement was fading.  The same feeling that drove me away from my previous job. Until most recently when I finally realized what my strengths are begging for.  I finally realized what I’m supposed to do.  There is no question to it.  Looking back at my entire life it fits like a perfect puzzle piece. 

Now I know.  And I can’t wait for the second half of my life. It is going to be fun. It is going to be groundbreaking. And it is very much my expectation to change many people’s lives because of it.

So who are you? I suggest you figure it out so you can start living. Don’t deny who you are. Denying who you are is a struggle that  you will not win. Take hold of who you are and run with it.  No matter what it is. Give in to who you are.  I’ll see you on the other side!

Be Happy, Healthy, and Ready for Anything!