5 Things

5 things that make me well me! According to the Gallup test from my co -- op class... that is...

Syllabus week -- the week we find out the best way to manage our next three months in college. One of our first assignments for us Interior Design and Architecture Students in DAAP, though was a little different than what we were used to. Our co -- op professer required us to take basically... a small personality quiz. I noticed quite a few people in my class groaned probably placing this assignment into the *busy work* category. But, I was the opposite. I was all for this.

Although immediately it may seem counterintuitive to "get to know yourself"... I believe... as busy people... sometimes we get lost in our daily routines and forget our values, passions, and goals. It's important to look internally and remind ourselves of where we stand morally and what we love to do.

"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." - Alexander Hamilton

Set goals. Dream. Create a mission. Strive to make the dreams, missions and goals come true. Success is what you personally define it to be, but I doubt many of you would define it as meandering through life.

So with that... I'm going to share the top five talents I received from Gallup. They were all CREEPILY accurate. Read through them to see if any of them might apply to you, and get to know me a bit better along the way.

1. Context

Instinctively, you find that past events or historical figures are as alive, inspiring, relevant, or disappointing as expert historians do. Perhaps you are intrigued by individuals who rise above intimidation, distress, fear, or discouragement. By nature, you find that the past offers some clues about the coming months, years, or decades. When you can make sense of what has occurred, you may feel more prepared to deal with upcoming changes or opportunities. Sometimes you discover that current events are mere reflections of past occurrences. In your mind, perhaps what has already happened explains the present and foreshadows the future. Driven by your talents, you sometimes use reason, not emotion, to examine past events or interesting people. Perhaps you gravitate to historians when they appreciate or share your practical outlook on bygone days.

2. Includer

Because of your strengths, you may seldom be at a loss for something to say to most people. Without hesitation, you sometimes dive into conversations with old friends, new acquaintances, or even total strangers. Driven by your talents, you may notice that life is better for you when people accommodate your innate need to work in the evening. Perhaps you produce optimal results during the evening or in the hours after midnight. Chances are good that you may choose to spend time with reasonable people. You appreciate their ability to rely on their minds rather than their emotions. If personal or professional problems, challenges, or opportunities arise, you might exhibit better judgment than others. While many of your friends or colleagues may be put off by difficult people, you have a natural capacity to truly care for and invite all people. There may be some individuals with whom you choose to spend less time, however. As an anti-elitist, you may clash with those who feel they have earned the right to perks and power. Rather than disputing their claim, use your Includer insights to help everyone find common ground and value in their contributions.

3. Activator

It’s very likely that you frequently throw newcomers or outsiders off balance by pressing them to talk with you. With some individuals, you intentionally do this. With others, you are unaware of how forceful you are. You are eager to get things moving and completed. Even so, you strive to temper your demanding style. Because of your strengths, you sometimes make people feel special. Typically you point out the importance or usefulness of something they said. By nature, you may pay close attention to intelligent conversations. Sometimes you file away or make a mental note about specific information, knowing it might be useful one day. Chances are good that you might feel good about the quality of your life when you can compel your friends to produce results. Maybe you motivate them with compliments. Maybe you simply say, “Let’s start working.” Driven by your talents, you sometimes spark the enthusiasm of certain individuals. Perhaps your own job, studies, or life becomes a bit more exhilarating when you help others more fully experience their lives.

4. Intellection

By nature, you occasionally express your doubts about certain ideas, theories, or concepts. Using your brainpower, you are able to put aside your emotions and calmly absorb information. Even when you have not experienced particular situations, events, opportunities, or dilemmas, you have the ability to project yourself into them. Chances are good that you may prefer to read, write, and ponder philosophies, theories, or concepts that interest you. Driven by your talents, you may feel a bit more upbeat about your life when you engage in mentally stimulating conversations with specific types of people. Because of your strengths, you sometimes evaluate ideas, theories, or philosophies by looking at them from every possible angle. Instinctively, you may collect information about certain kinds of past events and specific types of people. Now and then, these stories and facts might raise your spirits, renew your faith in humankind, or fill you with hope. When you find another thinker who loves conversing about the recent or distant past, perhaps you are delighted. Maybe few things please you more than delving into the lives of particular individuals whose deeds were especially heroic, generous, daring, kind, original, or thought provoking. Engaging people in intellectual and philosophical debate is one way that you make sense of things. This is not the case for everyone, some may find it intimidating. Be sure to channel your provocative questions to those who similarly enjoy the give and take of debate.

5. Empathy

By nature, you might be prompted by a natural impulse to answer questions, deal with perplexing issues, or overcome obstacles. This need to do something arises from deep within yourself. Driven by your talents, you sometimes have quick and ready insights into what individuals are sensing. This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. You can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. Perhaps your instincts allow you to ask questions in the right way. In your dealings with people, you might know the best time to speak, listen, advise, or praise. Maybe your ability to find solutions contributes to your optimistic attitude. Sometimes you notice certain individuals who are easily defeated by life’s challenges. You might try to help them cope with their difficulties. When you realize someone feels glum, you make an effort to boost that person’s spirits. Chances are good that you can instill a sense of self-worth in individuals. Perhaps you are one of the people in their lives who values them, sees what they can become, and believes in them.

"Many years of research conducted by The Gallup Organization suggest that the most effective people are those who understand their strengths and behaviors. These people are best able to develop strategies to meet and exceed the demands of their daily lives, their careers, and their families."

^----- From Gallup themselves talking about the importance of knowing yourself!!

Now that I know my top talents, it's time to put them to use. I hope with this post, you're inspired to find your own special attributes. But remember...

"Talent without working hard is nothing" - Cristiano Ronaldo

Thanks for reading,

~M.~