{"id":206865,"date":"2020-04-23T14:16:50","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T14:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/strengthbasedliving.com\/?p=206865"},"modified":"2021-05-05T16:44:20","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T16:44:20","slug":"shift-from-wrong-to-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/understanding-strengths\/shift-from-wrong-to-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"Shift From Wrong to Strong"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p>In these extraordinary times, we\u2019re encountering a dizzying array of unwanted challenges and disruptions in daily life. Many of us cannot connect in person with family, friends, and teammates. Others have lost work and opportunities. Sadly, there are even more tragic repercussions. It\u2019s enough to create a sense of hopelessness in even the most positive people.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, research around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.viacharacter.org\/character-strengths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">character strengths<\/a> shows us how to shift into what\u2019s strong to help us face\u00a0virtually\u00a0every situation with strength and resilience. Character strengths reflect who we are and how we contribute.Since COVID-19 entered our lives, I\u2019ve noticed that my top strength, creativity, is calling my name to help navigate difficult situations. For instance, during a stressful text exchange with my sister, I offered a few novel ways to solve a family problem. I was tempted to avoid replying \u2013 it was late on a Sunday evening, and I was tired. Creativity gave me the capacity to engage. Channeling creativity didn\u2019t change the stressor, but it shifted me toward my best, kept me grounded and allowed me to contribute from a position of strength.<\/p>\n<p>Most likely, your signature strengths look different than mine. Your top strength might be hope, giving you the power to envision a positive, yet realistic, future. Or, your number one strength might be bravery, making you a force that gives a voice to the voiceless.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>No matter your signature strengths, your unique contributions are sorely needed in your home life, work life\u00a0and community. But, here\u2019s the thing: although the idea of engaging strengths seems appealing to virtually everyone, not everyone practices living into them. The value comes from putting them into practice.<\/p>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;\"><img width=\"889\" height=\"200\" title=\"blog13b\" src=\"http:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-207142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b-200x45.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b-400x90.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b-600x135.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b-800x180.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blog13b.jpg 889w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 889px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h4>The Inspiration<\/h4>\n<p>In my work with individuals and groups, I\u2019ve noticed a variety of obstacles to living into one\u2019s strengths. Below are two of the most common:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>We don\u2019t have the\u00a0language to describe what\u2019s good and strong within ourselves. <\/strong>Growing up, many of us learned to avoid speaking of ourselves in positive ways due to modesty concerns. We\u2019re good at describing what\u2019s wrong and what we can do better, but not who we are at our best.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The human brain is hardwired to attend to what\u2019s wrong \u2013 problems, challenges\u00a0and weaknesses. <\/strong>We\u2019re often not aware this is happening. What doesn\u2019t work attracts us like a magnet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Luckily\u00a0the fist item can be addressed by taking the free, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.viacharacter.org\/survey\/pro\/strengthbasedliving\/Account\/Register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scientific character strengths assessment<\/a>\u00a0taken by more than 10 million people globally. In about 15 minutes, you can discover your unique strengths profile.<\/p>\n<p>The second is more complex. Humans have a natural instinct dating back to ancient times to scan the environment for threats. This instinct remains active in us today. Although helpful in some circumstances, it\u2019s also a reason we can over-invest time and resources dwelling on what\u2019s wrong at the expense of what\u2019s strong.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s so much that feels wrong about life during this pandemic, but you can shift into what\u2019s strong to feel a greater sense of ease, energy and flow. Research shows that building strengths is where our greatest contributions lie.<\/p>\n<p>I invite you to experience for yourself how shifting from wrong to strong can create positive results.\u00a0The following practice is inspired by the work of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AwfuYoYy4mw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michelle McQuaid<\/a>, an expert in positive organizational leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The Practice<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>For this practice, you\u2019ll need a pen and some paper.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Place a pen in your dominant hand, then write your full name.<\/li>\n<li>Switch the pen to your non-dominant hand. Again, write your full name.<\/li>\n<li>Describe the differences between your two experiences<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Many people describe writing with the non-dominant hand as more effortful, difficult, and time-consuming. They aren\u2019t as pleased with the outcome.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Often, this is what it feels like to improve a weakness. If you practiced writing with your non-dominant hand, you could probably improve over time. However, it would likely take many hours to progress, let alone achieve the same results.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, writing with the dominant hand typically has an ease and flow. It\u2019s faster and requires less effort. The results are pleasing. Often, this is what it feels like to build, and live into, our strengths.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The Reflection<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Begin by bringing one of your signature strengths to mind. If you don\u2019t know your top strengths, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.viacharacter.org\/survey\/pro\/strengthbasedliving\/Account\/Register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discover them now<\/a>, or simply use the graphic below as a reminder of the 24 character strengths. Then return to the reflection.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>As I tackle my next challenge today, my strength of _____ can help me by _____.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Think of one way you can put this strength into action and then try it as you go forward.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"size-full wp-image-207127 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"653\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c-200x129.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c-400x257.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c-460x295.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c-600x386.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/blog10c.jpg 653w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":207141,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[75],"tags":[46],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206865"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=206865"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":207350,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206865\/revisions\/207350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/207141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=206865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=206865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=206865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}