Have you been working towards the same accomplishment for years? Do you think that pure will and stop reading this article, let me share with you what will shift you from trying to force things to happen to actually making them happen. 

 I came across a quote in a book called “Strengths 2.0” by Tom Rath that states it quite simply: “You cannot be anything you want to be-but you can be more of who you are.”  We grow up believing we can do anything. We are often told that anything is possible if we try hard enough. The problem lies not in the trying, but in the frustration of trying to do something that does not fit who we are. Each of us has natural talents and strengths; it is within this realm that we can achieve to our highest potential. Too many people get caught up in reaching for something that they think they should want, usually a product of what the people around them are doing. But it becomes difficult to tap into that level of true inner genius when we are following a path that actually resists our own genius. 

 For my readers who love facts, Strengths Finder 2.0 is based on studies done by the Gallup organization. What they found in their research is that if you are doing a job or working on a project that is not geared towards your strengths, you are “six times less likely to be engaged in your job”. These are the side effects of that disengagement: “dread going to work, have more negative than positive interactions with your colleagues, treat your customers poorly, tell your friends your company is horrible, achieve less on a daily basis, and your expertise in what you’re naturally good at, the results will be similar. 

It’s not that it’s misguided to have a dream and their complimentary skills could create a level of success that would be impossible if they struck out on their own. 

Focus on being more of who you are without judgment. Own what you excel in and a step back. Notice if what you are focusing on is helping you develop your natural strengths. The key to true success is concentrating on building on who you are.

Laura Tirello is a Career and personal lives. Are you looking for ways to turn your ideas into goals? Get a copy of my *free* special report: “5 Ways to Eliminate Idea Overwhelm”.  Visit corelifedesign.com for more information. Laura can be contacted at Laura@corelifedesign.com