Given the previous exercise and your own thinking about your career, how would you describe the best job situation for you? Next, consider two more options in case your idea doesn’t work out. What else could you do that would use your skills, experience, and talents? How else could you contribute to society? It’s OK if you are unsure because these ideas are still evolving for you.

Previous exercise

First, answer the questions in Figure 1. Next, think about five times in your life when you felt that you were your “best self”—or at your best. Jot down notes about each situation, particularly your actions and the impact on or reactions from others. From these exercises, what three or four top strengths surface? Write them down with a short description of each.

Now discuss your notes with two or three family members or friends who know you well. What are their views of your assessment? Do they agree with the strengths you identified? Do they see others that you didn’t identify? How, if at all, do their opinions of you influence how you feel about your strengths? How does this exercise help you think about your future career?

Figure 1