Top 5

Recently commenced another book. This one sounds not unlike one of those self help "I can't figure out what I'm supposed to do with my life" books... but it was a good quick read.

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath helps the reader to focus upon not weaknesses but rather areas of accomplishment and ability and skill. The idea actually seems like a good one. 

If little Johnny doesn't do well in science but tends to "steal the show" in math... focus on that. If he spends his entire grade school career paying attention to this "plank" that he carries around in his inability to make the grade in science he will never understand success. (Rath) teaches that by focusing only on weaknesses we never really get stronger in our strengths.

That idea seems great. And there is certainly some truth in that theory. If I could could constantly measure myself against my potential versus my previous weaknesses then I'd continue to move forward instead of trying to correct my mistakes. What's done is done, the past is the past, you can't change what's happened, only learn from it. 

Rath asks the reader to take an online assessment to determine his or her core strengths. After answering 100 or so questions you are given a top 5 list of greatest strengths. Then you are offered some suggestions as to how those strengths may help you succeed as well as potentially hinder you from moving forward. My top 5 are... 

Connectedness 

Adaptability

Individualization

Strategic

Ideation

They probably aren't far off and this was definitely a worthy read. It's good to be positive about the direction you are headed.

The one thing that I was consistently recalling as I read the book was the truth that when we are weak, He is strong. As this book somehow attempts to help correct the work ethic of goal-oriented adults, I can't help but recall the line in the popular children's hymn "Jesus Loves Me"

They are weak, but He is strong.

Anna Bartlett Warner recognized that as children of God we are inclined to notice our weakness in light of the perfection of God. It's a natural motion and frankly a healthy one. The more we recognize who we are not in Christ, the more we are motivated to become in Him. In regards to success in business, the premise is a good one. But as I grow in my relationship with Christ let me never lose sight of the areas where I'm failing, because His strength is perfect there. 

A good read...

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath