This week has been one of challenges, reflection, and growth.

Strength is a concept we all talk about, but what does it truly mean? Is it the same for each of us?

This week reaffirmed my belief that strength comes in many forms, both internal and external, and sometimes, it falters.

Even though we may stand tall, filled with the power and knowledge to succeed, an event can shake us to the core. It can harm our self-belief, erode our confidence, and drain our power. Yet, in these moments, we find the essence of strength. Strength is not just about never faltering; it is about understanding when we do and finding ways to rise again.

What Is Strength?

Strength can take many forms. It includes physical prowess, emotional resilience, mental determination, and the ability to lead with compassion and courage. Strength allows us to face adversity, push boundaries, and keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

But what does strength mean to you? Have you ever paused to reflect on where your strengths lie?

Your strengths could be internal—like emotional intelligence, resilience, or confidence—or external—like leadership skills, communication, or adaptability. Your strengths define your approach, decisions, and impact in career or leadership roles.

Finding and Utilising Your Strengths

How do you uncover your strengths? Here are a few ways that I feel can be essential in locating your strengths so that you can take the following steps. My GEMS 💎 are included as always.

1️⃣ Self-Reflection: Spend time journaling or meditating on moments you’ve felt solid or accomplished.

💎 Ask yourself: What skills or qualities stood out? What enabled you to show up for yourself on each of these occasions? Is there a common denominator? 

2️⃣ Feedback from Others: Sometimes, others can see our strengths more clearly than we do.

💎 Ask trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors about your greatest strengths. Listen to what they say and see if you agree. What have they seen that you cannot?

3️⃣ Assessment Tools: Many tools, such as StrengthsFinder or personality assessments, help you identify your unique capabilities.

💎 Pick one of these tools and review it. My Arena of Success course contains an in-depth lesson on precisely this topic.

4️⃣ Mindfulness Practice: Being present with yourself can reveal the strengths you use daily, often without realising it.

💎 Being at peace and living in the present moment will raise your awareness to the next level.  Participate and block out time to develop your mindfulness practice and make it a habit.

"You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength."

 Marcus Aurelius

Being Mindful of Your Strengths

While strengths empower us, they can also become vulnerabilities if we’re not mindful. Over-reliance on a particular strength might lead to burnout or blind spots. For instance, being highly empathetic might make you an exceptional leader, but it could also leave you emotionally drained if not managed. We must be mindful that our strength can become boulders in our path. 

This week, I experienced a situation that tested my strength. As a leader and medical professional, I faced bullying and threats. Initially, I stayed strong, but over time, I felt the weight of the situation. The damage to my confidence and emotional well-being was undeniable, and I needed time to recover.

These moments remind us that strength isn’t about being invincible; it’s about knowing when to step back and heal. Recognising when your internal power falters is the first step to regaining it. Here’s how one can tackle a similar situation:

⭐️ Acknowledge the Impact: Permit yourself to feel the effects of what happened.

⭐️ Take Time to Recover: Rest, seek support, and engage in practices that replenish your energy.

⭐️ Reconnect with Your Purpose: Remind yourself of your “why”—the purpose that drives you.

⭐️ Seek Guidance: Whether through a coach, mentor, or therapist, external support can be invaluable in rebuilding your strength.

For me, journaling about the situation's impact and meditation helped to calm me and my breathing. Yesterday, I attended an AIDO Gala dinner in London, where I refound my purpose and what grounds me. The guidance of mentors was essential in helping me overcome the difficulties of the past week and rise stronger than before.  

Will I fall again?  Inevitably, but this time, I will have a trusted plan—one that I know works and brings excellent results for me and my clients.

What Does Strength Mean to You?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does strength mean to you? How do you uncover and harness your strengths? Have you experienced moments where your strength faltered, and how did you recover? 

A Special Opportunity to Build Your Strength

If you want to explore your strengths, build self-belief, and grow to the next level, consider taking my Arena of Success course. It’s designed to help you strengthen your life, career, and leadership.

This is the last chance to get the course at the special price of £99, which includes a free coaching session for all students who enrol. The offer ends Tuesday, 3rd December, at midnight. Starting next year, the course will return to its full price and include group journaling sessions aimed at growth. Click here to check it out: AoS

Group packages are available for organisations tailored to your team’s needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your personal and professional growth.

Contact me for more details or to discuss how the course could benefit you or your organisation.