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Want More Confidence? Start Here

Blond businessman happy expression

Confidence isn’t just something you have — it’s something you build. In this edition, I’m sharing a simple but powerful exercise to help you reconnect with what makes you strong.


What’s the secret to confidence?


Based on my experience with coaching clients, if I had to give just one answer, I’d say this without hesitation: your strengths.


Even in the very first coaching session — the Discovery Session — I’ve witnessed time and again how simply creating awareness around one’s strengths can boost confidence. Knowing and actively using your strengths is, without a doubt, a key to both self-confidence and success.



What Are Character Strengths?

According to Positive Psychology, character strengths are the positive personality traits that allow individuals to function at their best. These strengths typically:


  • Emerge naturally,

  • Energize and motivate us,

  • Bring satisfaction and flow when used.


Examples include creativity, leadership, empathy, fairness, love of learning, honesty, perseverance, and self-discipline.



Value vs. Strength: What’s the Difference?

Character strengths reflect your authentic self and lead to positive outcomes — both for yourself and those around you.


Values, on the other hand, are beliefs that guide our actions and shape how we evaluate ourselves and others, according to Dr. Christopher Peterson. They represent desired outcomes.


In other words: 


🧭 Values show you the direction. Strengths help you move in that direction.


🧠 This week’s newsletter is inspired by the work of Positive Psychology pioneers Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson (VIA Institute on Character, 2004).



How Can You Discover Your Strengths?

You don’t need to work with a coach to start uncovering your strengths. With a bit of reflection and the right questions, you might be surprised how many strengths you already have.

Here are some questions to explore:


  • What skills or qualities come naturally to you — the ones you use effortlessly in your work? (e.g., creativity, leadership, teamwork, social intelligence, courage…)

  • What qualities do your leader or teammates/friends often appreciate in you? What traits are you frequently praised for?

  • During tough times in your life, which strengths helped you most? (e.g., hope, spirituality, perseverance, wisdom…)


💬 You can also ask people who know you well: What do you think is my greatest strength? (This is actually a coaching homework I give — and it’s usually very well-loved 😊)


I recommend creating a list of at least 10 personal strengths based on your answers.


Then, take a moment to review the full list and highlight your top three favorite strengths to use. These could be your sources of energy and motivation — and might even serve as a compass in your career decisions.


Reflecting on which strengths you can leverage on the path to your goals may help you gain clarity and move forward with more confidence.


I hope this piece helps you reconnect with your unique strengths. And if you do try the exercise, I’d love to hear how it goes! ✨

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