Some people are born with an Olympic advantage. They are taller, have higher muscle density, have certain bodily proportions that enables them to excel at a sport, rather than just be good at it. And then they have a certain character and intellect, which increases their ability to focus and to be resilient and determined.
But both their physical abilities and their psychological approach develop according to the environment they find themselves within. What they eat and how they train impacts how their physical capability develops. The messages and role modelling from others influence their attitudes, confidence, self-belief, and drive. The opportunities they have to learn and stretch themselves impact how far they will go.
We don’t all have the raw materials to be an Olympian, but we do all have the raw materials to be our best selves. We all have capabilities that we are born with, and that can be developed within the right environment. The trick is to know that they are there.
The strengths approach helps to identify and tap into these capabilities. Strengths are capacities for high performance – they are the things that naturally energise us when we apply them. They are unique – what energises me, may not energise you. But if you can tune in to know what your particular strengths are, you can apply and develop them to increase your chance of achieving your own particular goals.
