Does Believing That Talent is Innate Fuel Limiting Beliefs?
I’m a big fan of the Clifton Strengths Finder by Gallup. A few days ago I used the theories from it to translate the formula for success defined by physicist Albert-László Barabási. My premise was the following:
Success = # of Applied Strengths X % of Managed Weaknesses X Scale
Meaning that you will have more success if you use more of your strengths, manage more of your weaknesses and scale this to impact the maximum amount off people.
With that said, Gallup’s research suggest that before you can have a strength, you must develop a talent that is innate to turn it into a strength. Technically, this means you are born with talents. You either have them or you don’t. Therefore, you are limited in what strengths you can develop.
One of my readers astutely pointed out in a comment how believing this could lead to counterproductive thoughts typically labeled limiting beliefs. My instincts immediately wanted to disagree with him, however I recognized there was a fine line here I couldn’t quite grasp.
However, after a few days of thought I think I can explain myself. It’s now clear to me why accepting that you have a limited set of innate talents does not lead to counterproductive limiting beliefs.
Knowing Your Innate Talent Helps Combat Limiting Beliefs
First, limiting beliefs lead to dysfunctional thinking and behavior. Whereas, discovering your innate talents and gifts helps you eliminate this type of thinking. Once you understand what you’re naturally good at and what you’re naturally not so good at, you can further understand your circumstances.
As first said by Ancient wise man Imhotep, know thyself. I believe this wise old saying is the first key to eliminate limiting beliefs. What’s more, using the Clifton Strengths Finder by Gallup is a great first step.
When you know what you’re good at, you can do more of that. When you do more of that, success comes easier. Furthermore, putting the focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses is energizing, and removes that negative energy that allows limiting beliefs to creep into your mind.
Weaknesses Are Not Limiting Beliefs
Secondly, I will end by saying that knowing your weaknesses is not the same as having a limiting belief. For example, if you are weak with strategic thinking, the limiting belief is that this will stop you from reaching your goals. However, the truth is that this will only stop you if you let it by not using your strengths to manage this weakness.
You can’t manage your weaknesses if you don’t know them. The key is to know your weaknesses and believe that you can manage those weaknesses by using your strengths. This challenges your limiting beliefs and helps you overcome them.