Taking a strengths-based approach to life can help us improve our overall physical and mental health and wellbeing, which for a lot of us this year has been a greater priority than ever before. Every human being shares a common instinctive desire to be healthy, happy and comfortable, and its importance in daily life and impact on society more broadly cannot be overstated enough. Most of us have seen or experienced the unwanted effects of neglecting our wellbeing. It can leave us vulnerable to unexpected threats to our health and reduces our resilience and ability to tackle the myriad of health problems and life challenges that we may face throughout our lifetime.
A strengths-based approach is goal oriented, focused on an individual and their innate strengths. It also considers their aspirations, opportunities and resources. Various government health departments and research entities, such as the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Department of Health and Social Care in the UK, recognise the importance of focusing on strengths and tailoring health and social care programs to the individual in order to improve patient outcomes.
Focus on strengths enhances quality of life
Gallup research indicates that those who focus on their strengths are three times more likely to live a high quality life. It can make us feel happier, more confident and energetic, and less stressed. This can lead to a more active and successful life, regardless of how you choose to define success. There is also research showing how it can increase employee engagement, productivity and performance in organisations, which given the time people spend at work, has to have a positive impact on our general wellbeing.
Focusing on our strengths both reinforces and naturally originates from a positive mindset, which can allow us to reach our full potential and feel fulfilled. This is in contrast to focusing too much on weaknesses and failures, which is more associated with a negative mindset, and can result in self-doubt, fear and a lack of progress.
So how can we implement a strengths-based approach in our daily life?
- Start by identifying and understanding your natural talents, which can be done by answering the Gallup 5 Clues to Talent questions or via a thorough online assessment such as the Gallup CliftonStrengths.
- Prioritise aspects of your life that would contribute most to your happiness and wellbeing e.g. self-care, parenting, career, relationships, sport etc.
- Set a goal in one of these areas. Ask yourself “What am I trying to achieve?”
- Formulate an action plan that leverages your strengths.
- Intentionally aim your strengths at the goal you’ve set and follow your action plan.
Tap into your strengths every day and make your health and wellbeing a priority in 2021. You can do it on your own or sign up for one of Time for Mum Strengths and Wellbeing Programs.
