When you use your strengths wisely, you are really good. Not
only that, using your strengths come naturally to you, so it’s not all that
difficult.  Finally, when you work within
your strengths, you enjoy what you do so much more.

The problem comes when you use your strengths in
inappropriate moments or ways, where they become your deficits.

For instance, if you are naturally careful, thorough and
accurate, (admirable strengths), it is easy to overuse them and miss deadlines,
procrastinate and be considered by others as unreliable.

If you are naturally engaging, never met a stranger and
enjoy people (admirable strengths), it is easy to overuse them and disrupt
others who are working or lose track of the work you should be doing. You are
considered never getting anything done.

If you are naturally one who enjoys challenges and gets
things done quickly (admirable strengths), it is easy to overuse them when you
over commit yourself and others, then pressure everyone to work harder. You are
thought of as inconsiderate and demanding.

If you are naturally reserved and respectful of others’
feelings, are easy to get along with and a friend to all (admirable strengths),
your tendency is to be so agreeable that you are reluctant to say what you
really think. You can be misjudged as deceitful and not forthcoming with the
truth.

The point is this: when you’re using your strengths
appropriately, give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it and you’re
really good.

When you’re overusing your strengths so they become
deficits, kick yourself in the a$$ (but don’t hurt yourself). You deserve it because
you’re not as good as you could be.

In what circumstance do you typically overuse one of your
strengths? Next time, stop yourself and be prepared to do something else. Then
give yourself a pat. You deserve it.