Martin Seligman, Ph.D., noted optimism researcher, has proposed that one of the surest paths to happiness is to know your signature strengths and build your life around them, particularly if it’s in a way that has meaning to you. This translates in business perfectly. If you do what you do well, you will make money.
We’ve mentioned previously that nobody can increase your GDC except you, and therefore you should delegate out everything that isn’t directly related to increasing that GDC. You’ll best increase your GDC by doing what you are best at.
“Do what you do best and enjoy, then you will be successful” – Jeff Crosby, founder of 3xEquity.
To design your practice around your strengths, you first need to know what they are:
- What are your strengths?
- What do you do best?
- What do you enjoy doing most?
- What sets you apart from others?
Do some mind-mapping or brainstorming. If you can’t answer these questions for yourself, ask others in your office or on your staff to answer them for you. Let them provide you their lists through email, or on paper anonymously, if that makes them more comfortable.
Review the lists in private and mull them over. It can be an illuminating exercise to have your strengths evaluated by others, perhaps even surprising.
Once you learn your strengths, concentrate on them to minimize failure and achieve success. Dan Sullivan from The Strategic Coach calls it your “Unique Abilities.” Apply your Unique Abilities to your practice’s tasks, and delegate out the rest.
Do you know your own strengths?
