What are you good at?
Making a difference as a military spouse
by Krista Wells
We are often blind to our own talents. Get out there and ask friends and family what they perceive your strengths to be. You may be surprised at the group’s consensus. Think back to what subjects in school came easiest or past job tasks seemed effortless. I had a client that despised the entirety of her job, but discovered that she loved the editing part, so we explored ways for her to make a new career choice that incorporated this skill.
As you discover your values, personal interests and talents, doing what you love will come naturally. Finding meaningful work and living out of your center is a large part of living out your dreams. Don’t be hard on yourself if you are still unsure, but take actions that are aligned with your values. Trust that as you take a step forward, your aspirations take two steps toward you.
The Military Spouse Coach® Shares How to Explore These Ideas on Your Own …
- What are your values? Decide what is important to you (e.g. community, status, teamwork, helping others, etc.) Brainstorm a list and then determine your top five values. These are your personal motivators that direct you to your purpose.
- What piques your interest? Over the next several weeks, take note of when you lose track of time or when a task seems effortless. Write down what you are doing, your feelings and a complete description of the setting.
- What are your talents? Ask three people who know you well to identify your strengths. Couple this information with any significant accomplishments in your life and tease out your gifts.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
I know its cliché, but take a moment and ask yourself: What really makes your heart sing? Combine this thought with your list of values, interests and skills and note any themes that emerge. List three or four tentative topics or career choices that can be further developed, or even combined to put you on a path towards greater self-awareness and living out your purpose.