In this second season kickoff of the Balanced Badass Podcast, Tara shares her holiday adventure that unexpectedly landed her in the hospital with blood clots. Reflecting on her experience, she encourages listeners to focus on their strengths to achieve their goals without burnout.
Using relatable examples and research-backed insights, Tara emphasizes the importance of leveraging what you’re naturally good at to make life easier and more fulfilling. She invites listeners to identify and use their unique strengths, offering practical advice on how to do so effectively.
When was the last time you really thought about what makes you amazing?
Not the things you’re bad at. Not the things you wish you could do better. The things you’re already great at.
We’re getting into that today because your strengths are the key to achieving your goals—and doing it without burnout.
While in the hospital this past Christmas with blood clots in both lungs, I had a lot of time to think about what really matters and how to make my life work better for me.
That’s when it hit me: the easiest, most sustainable path to success isn’t by forcing myself to “fix” my weaknesses. It’s by leaning into what I’m already good at.
And you can do the same.
The Science of Strengths
Let’s start with the facts. Gallup’s research shows that people who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged at work and three times more likely to have an excellent quality of life.
Those aren’t small numbers.
When you lean into your strengths, everything starts to feel like it’s clicking.
Instead of dragging yourself uphill in the mud, it’s like riding a bike downhill on a sunny day. Less struggle, more flow.
Why We Ignore Our Strengths
But here’s the thing: most of us ignore our strengths. Not on purpose, but because we’re so busy trying to “fix” what we think is broken.
Think about it. How many times have you thought:
- “I’m so bad at time management.”
- “I wish I was more organized.”
- “I’m not detail-oriented enough.”
We’ve been trained to believe that success comes from improving our weaknesses. But that’s exhausting—and honestly, it’s not true.
Real success comes from doubling down on what makes you you.
How to Find Your Strengths
If you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, great, but I have no idea what my strengths are,” don’t worry.
Here’s where to start:
Look at what feels easy.
What are the things that come naturally to you?
Maybe you’re the one everyone turns to when they need advice. Maybe you’re amazing at creating order out of chaos. Or maybe you’re the person who always spots the tiny details no one else notices.
Ask the people around you.
Sometimes, others see our strengths more clearly than we do.
Text a friend or coworker and ask them what they think you’re great at. Their answers might surprise you.
Think about what lights you up.
When do you feel most in your zone? What makes you lose track of time because it’s so enjoyable or rewarding?
Those moments are a clue to your strengths.
Leaning Into Your Strengths
Once you’ve identified your strengths, the next step is to use them intentionally.
Let’s say one of your strengths is creativity. If your goal is to build better work-life balance, use that creativity to design boundaries that work for you. Maybe it’s creating a visual reminder of your non-negotiables or finding playful ways to unwind after work.
Or maybe your strength is empathy. If your goal is to grow in your career, lean into that by building deeper relationships with your team or creating collaborative opportunities.
The key is to stop forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit. Work with your strengths, not against them.
The Energy Shift
When you lead with your strengths, you stop wasting energy on things that don’t come naturally.
Think about the last time you tried to do something you’re not good at. Maybe it was planning a highly detailed event when you’re more of a big-picture thinker. It probably felt draining, right?
Now think about the last time you were doing something in your wheelhouse. Maybe it was solving a problem no one else could figure out or organizing a chaotic project. That probably felt energizing.
Leaning into your strengths isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about using your energy wisely so you can feel good while doing it.
Your Action Plan
Here’s what I want you to do:
- Pick one goal you’ve been working on.
- Identify one strength you can use to approach that goal.
- Take one action that plays to that strength.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps lead to big progress when you’re working with your strengths instead of against them.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You don’t have to fix every weakness or prove yourself in areas that don’t matter to you.
The most successful, fulfilled people aren’t the ones who are good at everything—they’re the ones who know exactly what they’re good at and lean into it.
Your strengths are your foundation. Build from there.
If you’re still not sure what your strengths are or how to use them, let’s talk. Send me a message, book a session, or shoot me an email.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
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00:00 Welcome to Season Two!
00:35 A Holiday Hospital Stay
01:39 Reflecting on Goals and Strengths
02:36 The Power of Focusing on Strengths
03:51 Identifying Your Strengths
07:24 Using Your Strengths to Achieve Goals
09:43 Embracing Your True Self
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
