Confident, resilient, undeterred by setbacks or obstacles – if those words describe you, there is a chance that Self-Assurance is in your top 5 CliftonStrengths® talent themes. Taking risks and taking ownership of your life come easy to you. You are guided by an inner compass fueled by your knowledge of, and belief in your personal strengths. Read more about this rare and easily misunderstood talent here:
The Self-Assurance talent theme is one of the least likely to show up in a person’s top 5 talents. We all have all 34 talent themes, it’s just that Self-Assurance rarely shows up in the top 5. It is no surprise then that it is also one of the least understood of the talents.
The best way to sum it up is to call it extreme self-confidence. It is not arrogance or pride. It is simply a deep sense of knowing yourself well. So well that you have the fortitude and resolve to forge through any obstacles that stand between you and your your goals. Furthermore, you believe deeply in your judgment about your life and direction. As such, you may be less inclined to seek input from others about decisions you need to make and/or objectives you choose to pursue.
Come to think of it, this blog is probably being read by people who don’t have Self-Assurance in their top 5 so they can figure out how to make sense of people who do have Self-Assurance in their top 5!
You find risk-taking and taking ownership of your life energizing. Self-Assurance fuels your passion for your goals, decisions, and direction. Obstacles are merely another opportunity to show your mettle to yourself and the world.
No one can tell you what to think. They can guide. They can make suggestions. But you, and you alone, have the authority to form conclusions, make decisions, and take action. This authority, this final accountability for the living of your life, does not intimidate you. On the contrary, it feels natural to you. Depending on your other talent themes, your Self-Assurance may appear as a quiet determination or external bravado. Either way, you are strong and not easily put off course.
Here are some other possible descriptors for people with Self-Assurance in their top 5…
Certain
Independent
Stubborn
Persistent
Hard-headed
Courageous
Free
If Self-Assurance is in your top 5 CliftonStrengths talent themes, consider digging deeper into your other top talents to further bolster your self-awareness and confidence. You may find that entrepreneurial endeavors and start-up businesses are places where you thrive. The relative lack of structure and appreciation for bold and creative ideas in those environments might appeal to your innate need to be free to express yourself fully. Consider studying persuasion or argumentation. Do be careful to choose your words wisely because you want to imbue trust in your strong opinions and self-confidence rather than come across as arrogant or boorish.
I have not met many people with Self-Assurance in their top 5. If Self-Assurance is in your top 5, please leave a comment about your experience with this talent. I would love to learn from you. Thanks!
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