I became a social worker because I enjoy helping others, seeing people happy, and succeeding. My beloved mother always loved helping others. Growing up, I observed how she always opened her home to all in need. I can say that her strength is commitment, being a caring person, and being resourceful. I believe the act of kindness is a strength.
Maybe I absorbed the strengths she displayed because I enjoy my role as a social worker when helping others and seeing their accomplishments. I get so immersed in the duty of being a helper. I love seeing people happy and improving their lives.
I want people I service to recognize that they are resilient and identify how they can overcome barriers. I usually ask them to list a least three strengths. However, I notice this question can be challenging for them to answer. When I ponder on that, I also struggle sometimes with that question. Others have told me, “You do so much for others, but you don’t acknowledge your qualities and skills.”
Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves and fail to see our achievements. We may also have a different view of ourselves than others looking on from an outside perspective. High expectations can lead us to focus on the things we have not achieved yet, which can be perceived as weaknesses.
We also feel we have to meet the expectation of others. Therefore, we may try to relate to others and think they are more popular or successful than we are.
We must find ways to distinguish and acknowledge our strengths. We must be more mindful when setting and focusing on our goals to recognize our achievements and strengths. Focusing on our dreams pinpoints our strengths and builds confidence, self-awareness, self-determination, and self-assurance. In the end, we all have strengths. Let’s get acquainted and embrace them to make positive life changes.
