Part 1: Quite simply, what are you good at? All of us have particular strengths- what are yours? This week, talk about these talents, big or small. Ideas: discuss how you use these things in your daily life or job, how you discovered a knack for this or that, perhaps even touch on whether or not you are passionate about the things you're good at.
Part 2: Sometimes it can be hard to hear criticism from others. I know for me it's something I may always struggle with- being a people pleaser, etc. At the same time though, constructive criticism can be very helpful, and allow us to look at ourselves in a new light and maybe even grow and change. Take a step out of yourself. If you were on the outside looking in, how would you critique yourself? What things do you see that could change or work on? This isn't about tearing ourselves down; it's about really looking at ourselves and seeing where there's room for growth.
Once again, thanks
Danielle for the wonderful feature. We really love writing these!
It really is harder to think of good things about yourself as opposed to critique, isn’t it? I’d say that for both Gabi and I, this is one of those topics that we had to think long and hard about our answers. Easier probably would have been flipping the tables and talking about each other instead of ourselves. It’s always harder when it’s you, and it’s absolutely more difficult to give yourself a pat on the back for your strengths.
I’m passionate and determined. Those are qualities that could be thrown on either the strength or weakness side, as with that determination comes extreme stubbornness that encroaches on pig-headedness. Once I set my mind to something though, there’s no changing it and the task at hand will be completed to near perfection.
I’m creative. This one is important to me. It has little effect on constructing others opinions of myself, but I really pride myself on my creativity and eye for aesthetics. Gabi and I seem to have this conversation on the regular, as we’re both quite creative, and we wonder why were pursuing/pursued degrees in fields that don’t allow us to exercise those muscles very frequently. My favorite assignments have been ones in which I’ve been able to do blog design, create videos, or fancy-shmancy technical documents. After each one of these assignments I wonder why, why I wouldn’t pursue something more creative, and of course the answer is practicality. Nevertheless, I forever find myself most at ease when I cook, paint, or am lost in a book (or y’know, rambling on in some blog post).
I’m honest. Honest enough to get those damn words tattooed on me, serving as a constant reminder of what I consider to be the best policy. You can be sure that I won’t lie to you about anything big or small. I feel that it’s better to tell the truth even if it stings a little in the short-run, than to lead a lie in the long-run. The repercussions are just too much to bear when things go south (they will), and we could all use a bit more honesty in our lives.
I’m hard to get to know. The walls are up 100% of the time, meaning that when you meet me, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll think I’m a bitch. The conversation will be slow, if not completely lacking, and I’ll appear cold and probably a bit stuck-up. First impressions are not my forte. I swear that I’m not any of those things. It just takes me forever to warm up. Truth be told, once I am comfortable with someone, my silly side comes out and I sometimes wonder if I’m actually twelve years old. My maturity level is about equivalent to a teenage boy of around that age.
I lack patience. I’m on time. Always (except with Gabi, who is on time but actually ALWAYS EARLY). I expect the same of others. Don’t waste my time. I have a really horrible tendency to chew people out if they are tardy. I should probably work on that. I lack patience in other regards. I want instantaneous results—a quick fix. Long, drawn out processes are not for me.
I’m honest. This one deserves another mention. I said that I think honesty is the best policy, and I do. I absolutely do. If someone wants an outright, true, raw opinion, I’m the person to deliver it, but nine times out of ten that is more trouble than it’s worth. Thankfully, I have gotten really good at just shutting up (perhaps the reason why I am so quiet all the time these days).
There you have it. What I would consider some of my strengths and weaknesses. I gotta say that another difficult part about writing this is that you know that someone else is going to read this and think, “yeah, she definitely missed out on some big ones.” I would love to believe that I don’t give two hoots about one anyone else thinks, but I mean we’re all human here. We care. I care. So while I know that there are some things that I need to work on, I do try to be my best self. However, there truly is no pleasing everyone.
- s
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I think Sam was right… It would have been easier to write about good things about one another rather than ourselves. Even going in and critiquing myself is a tough one—although I find I can be very critical of myself sometimes, I really, really hate seeming negative about myself (especially on a public forum). However, I’m going to give my best shot at this.
I’m patient and a good listener. I am a really caring person, and I’d consider myself a good listener. While I am (very) talkative, I would say I am a better at listening. I try to listen carefully, actively, and to give my full attention to whomever I’m talking to. I am also really patient while working with others and don’t get frustrated easily. I’m pretty easy going.
I’m a positive person. I guarantee I can find the good in any situation, and see things from a different perspective—ask my friends, it gets annoying! Even if I am in a bad mood, I am incredibly positive and optimistic about whatever it is that is going on. I’d say I know how to keep positivity in check, and to not let negativity get to me.
I can make conversation with anybody. This goes back to being a good listener, but I am also very extroverted and am good at making conversation. I don’t find making conversation with people I don’t know awkward or uncomfortable, just a chance to get to know somebody a bit better. I can probably find something to talk about with anybody.
I’m impulsive. My friend’s boyfriend calls me ‘The Great Enabler’ because whenever we go shopping, I encourage purchases. Not only that, but once I get into something, I get REALLY into it. I will learn everything I can about it, become obsessed, and throw myself into it. While I do see this as a strength at times (shows how determined I can be), it can also be a weakness. Especially when it comes to time management (I’ll put things I need to do on hold in order to do something else—instant gratification much?), or when it is better to just listen and think about it before responding. I’ll often answer right away without thinking things through.
I care what other people think. While I understand the power of judgement and how that is a necessary part of human life and behaviour, I can sometimes be a bit of a people pleaser. I don’t like conflict, so that makes sense to me. I come across as very confident (or so I’d like to think) but sometimes worry about what other people think about me. I’d like to pretend I don’t give a shit about what others think of me, but I do.
For the most part, I’d say that is a pretty accurate representation of myself. While there are lots of things about myself that I’d consider strengths, I also can be pretty hard on myself. I work pretty hard each day on how I see myself and how I’d like others to see me. We’re all works in progress, and I try to put my best self out there.
- g
During my parents visit to Ottawa, we decided to extend their visit and spent a week in Toronto. A short little trip that included walking around the city, going to the Royal Ontario Museum, eating, drinking and my favourite part—going to the Toronto Zoo! While there is a zoo in Calgary that I have been to many times in my life, the highlight of the Toronto Zoo was the pandas! Pandas are one of my favourite animals, and it felt pretty surreal to get to see them in real life. It seemed like they could just be people walking around in panda suits. I was so stoked to see them, and it felt like that could have been more of a highlight than walking the stage… ha!
