My Strengths

The StrengthsQuest program determines an individual’s top five talents. The overall purpose of which is to make you aware of these talents so you can focus on them in order to be more successful in life (Clifton, Anderson, & Schreiner, 2006). After completing the StrengthsQuest assessment (Your Signature Themes; Clifton, 2012), I was evaluated against thirty-four possible talents, after which, revealed my top five. In order from highest to lowest, they are Responsibility, Achiever, Adaptability, Relator, and Significance. I believe this was an accurate conclusion after reading the detailed report from my assessment. I’ve had experiences in life where these talents have served me well and I can predict they will continue to do so in the
It represents my ability to make a commitment and be utterly bound to it until completion. Some examples of my past clearly show proof of how this talent has served me well. It was instrumental in my becoming a United States Marine, well known to have the most demanding basic training program in our military. Even before the Marines, I had this talent as a 14-year-old boy when I committed to work in very arduous conditions at a local chicken farm to pay for a dirt bike I eagerly yearned for. Each day began at 4:00am where I’d walk miles of dust-engulfed coups that carried smells, which made most gag in their throats. The purpose was to remove all dead chickens from the cages, which again took an incredibly strong stomach. As awful as these working conditions were, I made the commitment to make monthly payments for my dirt bike. As much as I wanted to quit because of the work conditions, “Excuses and rationalization are totally unacceptable” (Your Signature Themes; Clifton, 2012, p. 2). This level of responsibility kept me on course and I made every payment as promised allowing me to own my first dirt bike. As my strongest talent, responsibility is going to be essential for me to graduate with a degree in criminal
This achiever talent will hold much value as I pursue my degree. There will be long days at work which have to be followed up with college assignments, and as an achiever, it will give me the energy needed to complete those assignments. Sometimes a long day at work is caused by unforeseen events. With adaptability as one of my top talents, I can excel in these situations because I embrace living in the moment. Transitioning from military to civilian life is filled with obstacles you can’t plan for. I never expected to work in a major retail store, drive tractor-trailers, stand armed security at a hospital, and then become a police chief all within a few years. Adaptability permitted these life changes with successful outcomes. Relator is another top talent of mine. It allows me to surround myself with my closest friends where I have a more personal and trusting relationship. Although my core of friends is small in numbers, I share more personal information with them, which benefits me when important advice is needed. I consider them family because of the tight bond we share. An example of this talent proved true when I sought the advice from my longest known friend on a financial issue when about to purchase my first home. I felt completely confident his advice and guidance put me in the best possible financial situations for such an