A message from Sandy. Perhaps the most important realization that we can make in our quest for personal growth is that there is no single formula that defines success. We all have different goals and priorities, which means different attitudes towards what we hope to achieve and how that will make us feel about ourselves. We also have different natural strengths and weaknesses. How do we make that work for us?

How do we understand what is important to each of us? Each person has a unique idea of what it means to be successful. For example, self-knowledge is one common goal that will help everyone achieve success. You may be tuned into someone else’s idea of what it means to be successful and  unaware of what is truly important to you. This is the time to start to recognize the discrepancy between what you have been taught is important and what you believe is important.

We must also learn to recognize that other people’s value systems are no less important than our own, and that certain personality types are more suited towards particular tasks. Learning to  recognize your weaknesses without hiding behind them— is another key that will aid in your personal growth. For example, there are situations where it is appropriate and effective to show compassion and empathy, rather than impersonal logic/thinking. I think we can all agree that people with a preference for “feeling” will have a natural advantage over “thinkers” in situations that require compassion and an awareness of other’s emotions. Conversely, people with a preference for “thinking” will have the advantage over the “feeling” people when the situation requires the ability to make a decision based on impersonal data. As we learn our own strengths and weaknesses we are empowered with an understanding as to why people react differently in different situations.

If you are a “feeling” or a “thinking” personality –striving for balance is key. But how?