Ever feel like you’re running in circles, not knowing what you’re truly good at? Or maybe you keep hitting the same roadblocks but aren’t sure why? Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses isn’t just self-help fluff; it’s essential for career growth, better relationships, and overall success. When you understand what you bring to the table and where you need to improve, you can make better decisions, play to your strengths, and work on your limitations.

This isn’t about labeling yourself as “good” or “bad” at something. It’s about recognizing patterns, refining your skills, and using self-awareness as a tool for growth. So, how do you actually pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Past Experiences

Think back to moments when you felt truly in your element. Maybe it was leading a project at work, solving a tricky problem, or giving advice to a friend. These experiences often reveal strengths you naturally excel at.

On the flip side, recall situations where you struggled, felt out of place, or faced repeated failures. Those moments highlight areas where you might lack skills or confidence. The key here is to recognize patterns. If public speaking always makes you nervous, it’s likely a weakness. If you consistently enjoy and perform well in creative projects, that’s a strength.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What activities make me lose track of time?
• Where do I receive the most praise from others?
• What tasks do I dread or procrastinate on the most?
• When have I failed, and why?

Step 2: Seek Honest Feedback

Sometimes, we’re too close to ourselves to see the full picture. That’s where feedback from others comes in. Ask trusted colleagues, friends, or family members about your strengths and weaknesses.

Instead of a vague, “What do you think my strengths are?” try something more specific:

• “What’s something I do really well that stands out to you?”
• “If I had to improve in one area, what would you say it is?”
• “Have you ever noticed me struggling with something?”

Listen with an open mind. It’s easy to get defensive, but remember, this feedback is a gift that can help you grow.

Step 3: Take Strength & Personality Tests

Personality and strengths assessments can provide structured insights into your natural tendencies. Some popular ones include:

• CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) – Helps identify your top talents.
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – Provides insight into your personality type.
• DISC Personality Test – Examines how you interact with others.
• Big Five Personality Test – Breaks down your traits like openness and conscientiousness.

While no test is 100% accurate, they can highlight trends and areas worth exploring.

Step 4: Observe Your Reactions & Emotions

Your emotions are great indicators of your strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations.

• Excitement & Energy → Strength Indicator
• Frustration & Resistance → Weakness Indicator

For example, if brainstorming new ideas excites you, creativity might be a strength. If working with numbers gives you anxiety, analytical tasks could be a weakness. Tracking your emotions in a journal for a few weeks can reveal patterns.

Step 5: Identify Recurring Compliments & Criticism

What do people often compliment you on? It could be your ability to stay calm under pressure, your leadership skills, or your problem-solving abilities.

Similarly, what criticisms have you received multiple times? Maybe you struggle with time management, avoid confrontation, or get overwhelmed easily. Recurring themes in feedback, both positive and negative, often point to key strengths and weaknesses.

Step 6: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Growth happens when you push yourself into unfamiliar situations. By doing something new, you’ll quickly see what comes naturally and where you struggle.

Try taking on a new responsibility at work, joining a public speaking group, or learning a new skill. Pay attention to what feels easy versus what feels like an uphill battle.

Step 7: Compare Strengths & Weaknesses with Your Goals

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is only useful if you apply it to your life goals. If your goal is to become a leader but you struggle with communication, that’s an area to work on. If you want to start a business but excel in creative work rather than logistics, you might consider partnering with someone who complements your weaknesses.

Align your strengths with your ambitions and create a plan to improve on your weaknesses where necessary.

Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

The good news? Weaknesses aren’t permanent. Many can be improved with practice, mindset shifts, and effort.

Steps to Improve a Weakness:

1. Acknowledge It – Acceptance is the first step.
2. Learn & Educate Yourself – Take courses, read books, or find mentors.
3. Practice – The more you do something, the better you’ll get.
4. Seek Help – Work with a coach, mentor, or colleague who excels where you struggle.
5. Use Strengths to Compensate – If you’re bad at organization but great at delegation, use that to your advantage.

For example, if you struggle with public speaking, joining a Toastmasters group or practicing in front of a mirror can gradually improve your confidence.

Conclusion: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself

Finding your strengths and weaknesses isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. When you understand what you’re good at, you can leverage those skills to achieve success. When you identify areas for improvement, you can take intentional steps to grow.

Self-awareness is a lifelong journey, but the more you invest in knowing yourself, the more you’ll thrive in your personal and professional life. So start today—ask questions, seek feedback, and challenge yourself. Your future self will thank you.