Is it good to concentrate on your strengths?

People are most successful when they’re matched with activities they love to do, according to a Stanford University study of 250,000 people.

The study concluded that high intelligence didn’t guarantee high accomplishment. Hard work and enthusiasm in the field of choice was the leading indicator of success.

Implications for you: Instead of spending time trying to correct weaknesses, focus on developing a special talent. Here’s how to do it:

• Pick one strength to pursue. Excellence is a product of hard work and liking what you do. Adjust your goals to target your strengths.

• Ignore weaknesses that won’t hinder you. Work on a problem only if it lessens your productivity. Let strengths overpower your weaknesses.

• Recognize your self-importance. If you deem yourself unworthy of respect, so will everyone else. Self-esteem comes before peer esteem.

Source: Soar With Your Strengths, by Donald Clifton. Published by Nelson, 415-288-0260.