Have you ever felt like you’re steering a boat in fog? You know you want to help people, make a real difference, but the destination keeps disappearing in the mist. Maybe you’ve even chased after big dreams, only to find yourself shipwrecked on a path that feels utterly wrong. That was me for a while. I dreamt of being a beautician, transforming people from the outside in. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
This is where discovering strengths comes in. It’s like having a lighthouse pierce through the fog, illuminating your unique talents and passions. It guides you towards a fulfilling life, one where you’re not just paddling in circles, but charting a course towards something truly meaningful.
My own story is a testament to this. Join me as I explore how uncovering my strengths took me from beautician dreams to becoming a strengths-based coach, helping others set sail on their own journeys of potential and purpose.
As we venture deeper into personal journeys that embody the essence of Ikigai, it’s time to narrate my own tale—a chronicle that traverses through varied terrains, ultimately leading me to my life’s passion as a strengths-based coach.
The Spark of Service (Discovering Strengths)
Ever since my youngest days, a fire kindled within me—a desire to serve, to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Initially, I visualized this service taking form as a beautician, imagining the myriad ways I could uplift spirits through the art of external transformation. However, as often happens, destiny had its own designs.
The Detour of Destiny
In my early twenties, while my heart still echoed with the dreams of beautifying souls, life nudged me onto a divergent path—recruitment. It seemed unrelated, a detour from my envisaged mission. Yet, in the realm of matching job seekers with suitable vocations, I uncovered an uncanny knack—a talent for genuinely understanding people, recognizing their strengths, and aligning them with roles that not just catered to their skills, but also nourished their passions.
The Turning Point
It was during this phase that I met a client who would indelibly mark my professional trajectory. Observing the nuanced manner in which I operated—how my intuitive insights were not just about hiring but about harnessing individual strengths—he introduced me to Clifton Strengths.
This framework offered scientific, research-backed validation to what I had been intuitively practising. It was a revelation! Here, the client himself was a testament. Leveraging my guidance, he transitioned from a conventional banking career to the dynamic world of e-commerce—a move he felt resonated more deeply with his core strengths and aspirations.
The Evolution into Coaching
Empowered by the profound insights Clifton Strengths provided, I embarked on a transformative journey. From a recruiter, I evolved into a strengths-based coach. My mission was clear: to harness the power of innate strengths, allowing individuals to reach their pinnacle of potential and passion.
Today, as I reflect upon my journey, I marvel at its serendipity. From a child who dreamt of serving through beauty to an adult who empowers through strengths-based coaching, my tale epitomizes how, sometimes, our deepest calling isn’t where we initially look. It’s found in the silent spaces, the detours, and the unexpected encounters that shape our path.
To everyone delving deep into their Ikigai, remember that it’s not just about the destination; it’s about recognizing and embracing every twist and turn that leads you there. For in these unforeseen paths, you might just discover the most authentic version of yourself.
Let’s break down my story according to the four pillars of Ikigai:
What you love (Passion):
- As a child, I always felt a strong desire to be of service to others. This intrinsic motivation guided many of my early aspirations, such as my initial interest in becoming a beautician. This realm of personal service and connection was always a space where I found joy and purpose.
What you are good at (Profession):
- My innate talents led me to a role in recruitment in my early 20s. Here, I honed my skill of genuinely connecting with people, understanding their strengths, and guiding them. My natural aptitude for this line of work was evident to those around me, including clients who recognized my exceptional abilities.
What the world needs (Purpose-Mission):
- As I evolved in my profession, I encountered the concept of CliftonStrengths. This not only reaffirmed my unique abilities but also showed me a more profound way to serve individuals. By applying the principles of CliftonStrengths, I became instrumental in helping a client transition from traditional banking to the dynamic realm of e-commerce. The world, especially in the modern age, needs professionals who can guide others to harness their strengths, adapt to evolving industries, and find purposeful careers.
What you can be paid for (Profit-Vocation):
- My journey culminated in becoming a strengths-based coach. With my extensive background, scientific-research-based insights, and genuine passion for serving others, I’ve positioned myself in a role where I’m not only fulfilling my passions but also providing a valuable, in-demand service. This union of my skills and market demand has allowed me to forge a successful professional path.
My journey stands as a testament to the potent alignment of the four Ikigai pillars. Each morning, I am fueled by an unwavering love for my work, invigorated by the profound knowledge that with every step, I am revolutionizing lives.
My mission is grand yet clear: to touch millions of lives with my fervent passion, showcasing not just what I do, but the remarkable transformation it brings.
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