Change is constant. But our reactions to it? All over the map.
Some changes spark energy and creativity. Others leave us overwhelmed and drained. Why is that?
The difference often lies not in the change itself, but in how we experience and respond to it.
So how can you use your strengths to approach change with more energy and less exhaustion?
Here are three practical ways:
Know What You’re Good At
Start by identifying your strengths as an individual and as a team. This isn’t about optimism or wishful thinking. It’s about taking stock of the resources you already have.
When you know what you’re good at, your brain is more likely to see new situations as manageable rather than threatening.
Try this: Ask yourself:
- What kind of work makes me feel most engaged?
- When do I feel at my best?
- What strengths am I using in those moments?
These patterns can point you toward the tools you need to navigate change more effectively.
Apply Your Strengths to New Challenges
Change doesn’t mean you have to reinvent yourself. Often, it’s about using familiar strengths in unfamiliar situations.
When you match your natural talents to the demands of change, you’re more likely to experience “flow” that energized state where work feels challenging but manageable.
Try this:
Look at one task related to a current change that feels heavy.
Ask: “How could I approach this using one of my strengths?”
Even a small shift in perspective can turn a draining task into something far more doable.
Adjust, Don’t Overuse
Strengths are powerful but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Used in the wrong context or at the wrong intensity, even your best qualities can backfire.
For example, being detail-oriented is a huge asset — but too much focus on the details during an early-stage brainstorm could slow things down. The key is to adapt your strengths to fit the moment.
Try this:
Reflect on a recent moment when one of your strengths didn’t work as well as you’d hoped.
Ask:
- Was the context right for that strength?
- Could I have dialed it up or down?
- What would I do differently next time?
Flexibility is what allows strengths to stay effective and energizing over time.
The Bottom Line
Change doesn’t have to leave you depleted. When you lead with strengths not just effort you create a path that feels more sustainable, productive, and energizing.
