Let’s be real for a second—life doesn’t come with a manual, and if it did, it would probably be in a language we don’t speak, buried under a pile of laundry, next to the bills we still haven’t opened. By mid-life, many of us have been wandering around in the fog of career decisions, family obligations, and self-help books that promised more than they delivered. So, what now? You’ve read the books, meditated (at least once!), and bought the crystals—where’s that elusive sense of purpose?
Here’s an idea: stop focusing on what you think is “wrong” with you. Stop trying to fix your flaws as if you’re a walking home improvement project. Instead, embrace your strengths—yes, those things you’re naturally good at. Enter strengths-based coaching, a refreshing alternative to the traditional “Let’s fix you!” approach of other methods.
WTH is Strengths-Based Coaching?
In simple terms, strengths-based coaching is the art of helping you figure out what you’re already good at (surprise!) and building on those strengths to reach your goals. Instead of endlessly trying to turn your weaknesses into strengths (a losing battle, trust me), you take what you’ve got and amplify it.
Think of it as life-hacking your way to success—only instead of learning five-minute microwave recipes, you’re using your natural abilities to feel more purposeful and fulfilled.
Why It’s Better Than the Usual “Fix Yourself” Mantra
Traditional coaching? That’s all about problem-solving. What are you bad at? What’s holding you back? Let’s dig into that mess! It’s like trying to patch a sinking ship instead of just hopping on the damn lifeboat that’s right next to you.
With strengths-based coaching, the focus shifts to what’s already working in your life. That’s right—there’s good stuff there! You might just be too busy obsessing over your weaknesses to notice. Strengths-based coaching zeroes in on your natural talents, the ones you probably overlook because you’ve been trained to think self-improvement is about fixing flaws.
Newsflash: You Don’t Need Fixing
You’re not a broken toaster that needs repairs. You’re more like a high-end coffee machine with settings you haven’t fully explored yet. There’s no need to spend the next decade wrestling with skills that don’t come naturally. Instead, dive into the things that light you up and use those strengths to manifest your best life.
The kicker? By honing what you’re already good at, you’re more likely to:
- Enjoy the process.
- Stay motivated.
- Actually achieve your goals without feeling like you’re running on a hamster wheel.
Strengths-Based Coaching in Action
Say you’re the type who can talk to anyone—seriously, the mailman, your cat, the person you just met at the grocery store. Maybe communication is your strength. Instead of fretting over the fact that you’re not the world’s best spreadsheet warrior, focus on leveraging that communication ability. Could you shift careers to something where talking to people is the main event? Maybe start that podcast you’ve been thinking about?
Or maybe you’re a whiz at organizing things (not your closet, let’s be honest—but your ideas and plans). Why waste time beating yourself up for not being more spontaneous when you could be using your organization skills to launch that side hustle you keep daydreaming about?
Stop Fixing, Start Amplifying
Here’s the bottom line: mid-life is the perfect time to stop the endless cycle of self-repair and start amplifying your strengths. You’ve spent years being told what you should work on—now it’s time to focus on what you want to work on. The payoff? A more meaningful life that feels authentically yours, not one cobbled together from random self-help books and productivity hacks.
So go ahead—dare to be amazing at what you’re already good at. The only thing you need fixing? Your mindset.