Strengths Finder 2.0 Results!

I've been dying to read this book "Strengths Finder 2.0" By: Tom Rath for almost a year now since my hubby read it last summer and found out some really interesting things tid bits about himself. In Strengths Finder 2.0 you learn about what special, unique and individual strengths and talents you may have by taking an online test with a unique code that's in each book. That's why it took me SO LONG to get this book because Jared already had it and it bothered me that I had to buy another copy just so I could retrieve the individual code for my test!! But... I finally caved and decided that this was the month I was going to head to Barnes & Noble to pick it up. Well, actually, what happened was Jared got sick of me saying,

"I really want to get that book, I need to take that test! I wonder if you can just purchase the code online to take the test so we don't have to have 2 copies of this book (you cant btw, you'd better believe I checked!) etc...etc"

So, my sweet hubby surprised me a couple of weeks ago "just because" with this book so I could finally take the test to see what strengths I have. (I feel like I have NO CLUE what they are!)

Side Note: For those of you who don't know this about me, I have an unhealthy curiosity about individual behaviors, personality, psychology, self-help ideas, etc. Anything that can help me have a better perspective on the world, the people in it and myself is something I gravitate towards. This book, as you can imagine, was totally pricking at my interest! The best part of the results that you get from the book is that your not going to hear back that your strengths are that your kind, smart, or witty. (you may be but it's not relevant at the moment.) The results actually measure talent, not strength so your going to get some really specific and intriguing results. The ultimate goal after reading this book is to build true strength, and talent is just one of the ingredients in the formula. (Eeee, I'm geeking out!)

I want to share this one story from the book that helped me understand more about my true potential.

All too often our talents go untapped. Mark Twain once described a man who died and met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. Knowing that Saint Peter was very wise, the man asked a question that he had wondered about throughout his life. He said,

"Saint Peter, I have been interested in military history for many years. Who was the greatest general of all time?" Saint Peter quickly responded,

"Oh that's a simple question. It's that man right over there."

"You must be mistaken," responded the man, now very perplexed. "I knew that man on earth, and he was just a common laborer."

"That's right my friend," assured Saint Peter. "He would have been the greatest general of all time, if he had been a general."

This story illustrates a truth that is, unfortunately, all too common. Far too many people spend a lifetime headed in the wrong direction. This is why it's essential not only to discover and develop your strengths as early as possible (oops, is 27 too late in life?), but also to help the people around you build on their natural talents as well. Everyone has talents that are just waiting to be uncovered!

So, below are my TOP 5 strengths. If you are interested in the strengths then the book has MUCH more information on each theme, I'm giving you the very condensed version. (P.S. sorry this was such a L-O-N-G post!)

#1 INDIVIDUALIZATION-People who are especially talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively. You can identify the talents, skills, knowledge, motivations, and or of individuals.

#2 INPUT- People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information. Chances are that you absorb the written word like a sponge sops up water. You revel in an opportunity to lose yourself in a book. Your hurry to finish books as quickly as possible because you yearn to know more. Instinctively, you thirst for new ideas and knowledge.

#3 LEARNER- People who are talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continusly improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites you. You are happiest collaborating with individuals who are not stingy with what they know. You have an ability to figure out how everyone on the team can benefit from each other's knowedge, skills, experiences, or wisdom. By being inquisitive, you begin to see each person as he or she really is.

#4 RESTORATIVE-People who are especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it. You may realize that great ideas without action are rather meaningless. You might become frustrated with individuals who lack the gumption-that is, boldness-to transform some of their original throughts into tangible results. When necessary, you might be the person who brings the conversation back to practical or factual matters.

#5 POSITIVITY- People who are talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiams that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get other excited about what they are going to do. You characteristicially are the cheerful optimist in the group and you have an upbeat and easygoing attitude which usually has a favorable effect on those around you. By nature, you might engage in life with gusto. You sometimes approach assignments, tasks, projects, opportunities, or problems with a creative flair. Instinctively, you are occasionally surprised when your upbeat attitude inspires people. (Really?)

Well, there you have it. I'm basically an aware, book geek who likes to learn, fix problems and stays positive while doing it! ;)

What do you think? Do you feel as though any of these themes are strengths I have or that you've seen in me? It's always harder to believe and distinguish things like this about yourself than about others isn't it?