You Have a Light to Shine that Is Uniquely Yours

As the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is approaching, I keep thinking about the idea of (and I believe I am not alone in this) bringing more light into the world. Each night as we light the Chanukah candles and add another candle to light each night, we add more and more light. I feel that we need this light right now more than ever, or perhaps we always need it, and it just feels more obvious now. 

I also feel and believe that each of us as individuals has our own unique light that we are here to share and shine. In order to know and understand what that light is, we don't need to look far, only within.

Often, my clients, when we begin our work together, express to me that they don't know what their strengths are. They tell me that it is easier for them to think about what they aren't good at as opposed to what they are good at or about the value they bring. In our work together I guide my clients through a process of discovering their strengths and the unique light, or contribution, they are here to make.

You can begin this process too, by starting to explore, or get to know yourself, from what might be a new perspective or approach for you.

Qualities vs. Accomplishments

Often, we define ourselves by the things that we do, or by our accomplishments. Society puts a lot of emphasis on our accomplishments too. While accomplishments are wonderful and are to be celebrated, they do not give us a full picture of who we are. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that when we define ourselves by our accomplishments, or by what we know how to do (or not do), we limit ourselves.

In order to gain a much better understanding of who you are, and the value that you bring, shift your focus away from your accomplishments and onto your qualities instead. One way you can do this is through a process of, what I refer to as, reverse engineering.

Take out a piece of paper and put a line down the middle. On the right-hand side list your accomplishments (or the things that you've done or attempted to do.) You don't need to add all of your accomplishments in order to be able to do this exercise, you can start with just a few.

I created a document that you can download here and print out to help you do this exercise.

Once you have written a few of your accomplishments, take each one and ask yourself, "what qualities went into me accomplishing that?" Or, "what does it say about me, or about who I am, that I accomplished or attempted to do that?" Then, on the left-hand side of your page, write out a list of the qualities you are noticing and discovering about yourself through this reverse engineering exercise. 

Through this process you will gain more insight, knowledge, and understanding of your unique combination of qualities (because, for example, you can be brave, strong, private, and sensitive at the same time.)

These qualities are (a huge part of what makes you) who you are and helps you to understand the value you bring to the work that you do and to your personal life and relationships. 

*****

If you have any questions about this exercise, feel free to send me a private message.

If you would like to explore more, and work together to help you understand yourself in a deeper and empowering way, the unique value you bring, the unique contribution you are here to make, what you are capable of, and your unique approach to being successful at work and in your personal life and relationships, go here to schedule a free discovery call with me.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful experience connecting (or reconnecting) to the light within you and sharing that light with others in both your personal and professional life. 

Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season, one that is full of light and all the things that fill you up and bring you meaning and joy.

In support and admiration, 

~ Jenny

*****

Hi, I'm Jenny Sassoon. I'm a social worker and certified professional development and leadership coach. I specialize in supporting, guiding, and empowering seasoned and young professionals, entrepreneurs, and CEOs to move forward and thrive in their career, business, leadership, and life through remaining true to their core essence and values.