Thankfully, we're good at something

Recently Tom and I decided to figure out—once and for all—if we're good at anything. So we took a test. If you've ever heard of Strengths Finder by Tom Rath and the Gallup people, then you know what test I'm talking about. Tom's stepfather worked for Gallup for many years, and he suggested we take the assessment to—well—get some direction, I suppose. After the test, the program divulges your five top strengths.  Anyway, the results are in. Here's what I'm good at: (If you disagree, take it up with the Gallup people.)

• Input (which means, in short, that I collect information—of all kinds—simply because I like having it stored in my head. Who knows when I'll need it, right?)

• Empathy (I can sense the emotions of others, share a perspective even if I don't necessarily agree with it, and feel what others feel as if it were my own feeling.)

• Learner (basically, I like learning and get excited about the process it takes. Unless it's math. But the test didn't tell me that part—I came to that conclusion years ago.)

• Discipline (which means my life needs to have structure, routines and deadlines. I'm detail oriented, precise, and prefer organization.)

• Significance (which means I want to stand out and be recognized. This particular trait should keep pushing me to achieve and rise above the mediocre.)

Here's what Tom's strengths are:

• Connectedness (A belief that all things happen for a reason, and that all individuals are connected in something larger—and driven by something larger. In short, there is purpose to our lives, and we must do no harm to others because we would in turn be harming ourselves.)

• Learner

• Individualization (an interest in the unique qualities that each person carries. He instinctively observes each person's style, each person's motivation, how each thinks, etc. He hears a one-of-a-kind story from every one he meets.)

• Input

• Strategic (this enables Tom to sort through clutter and find the best solution. He sees patterns where others see confusion.)

So there you have it. Now the goal is to capitalize upon our strengths to become more successful. Has anyone else taken this test? If so, let's hear 'em. And for anyone interested in taking it, you have to purchase Strengths Finder, which comes with an access code that you'll need to take the test.