Strengths

So, you know how different organizations do different tests to assess what type of personality you have in order to teach you how to get along better with your co-workers? At Fayetteville, the true colors test was popular (I'm a blue), however, at Arizona State University they use something called Clifton's Strengths Finder. You answer over 150 questions to see what your top 5 strengths are (out of 34 strengths). My top five, in order, are: positivity, communication, harmony, woo (winning others over), and learner.

According to this test, we'll have more success and get better results in work/life if we focus on using our strengths rather than trying to improve our weaknesses (which is what we are typically taught to do). I love the idea behind this theory that says you will feel more energy if you use your strengths (try to use them 80% of your day) and feel less energetic if you don't spend time on your strengths. This whole concept has really impacted me enough to say that if I'm ever asked in an interview about my weakness again, I sincerely think I'll say something to the effect that I want to put my energy into utilizing my 5 strengths/talents and I don't think about my weaknesses. Hmmm...that could be the positivity side of me taking over, too.

So, my boss and co-workers have taken this assessment too and we were having lunch and talking today and Monica, the Recruitment/Retention counselor, said that I should have her job. And I said, "I know, after my interview I went home and told Josh I should be doing Monica's job instead of the Tutor Coordinator job but that her position was not available."

I really love talking to people, selling people on ideas, presenting, etc. It makes me happy. Paperwork...not so much. Being the "bad cop" when someone is late or doesn't show up to an appointment doesn't jive with my strengths. Can I do those things? Sure. Doing so though is just not the best use of my talents.

Speaking of talents, or the potential lack thereof, I scheduled an audition for the Vagina Monologues in October. Crazy, I know. I was the first to call to set up an audition that doesn't even take place until October 25.

Well, I'm attempting to change the direction/narrative of my life. What I mean is, in high school, I wanted to audition for a school play but I was so shy that after I walked all the way to the M building of Cabot High School, I got to the door of the classroom where they were holding auditions, stood at the door, and then turned around and left without going in.

I don't want to stand in the hallway anymore. I want to walk through the door and try the things I've always wanted to do.

I should post the video of me doing the commercial in acting class. It's silly but a start. At least then my mom could watch it online because the file was too big to send in an email. In some ways I'd like to continue to go to acting class because I think it's fun to act, however, I don't want to pay for it :)

On a completely different front, I'm looking into getting my teaching certification. The only problem is they want math and science teachers. What's a social science person, even one with great credentials, to do? Well, I'm going to the informational session on October 7 based on the recommendation of the program advisor. I'm curious to see if they'll be like, no, you should really try to teach Biology instead.

Again, on another completely different note, I wrote a cover letter and resume for the travel agency down the road from our house saying that I could be available to work Saturdays if they needed someone. I just need to send it off.

I mean, if Josh can have three jobs, maybe I can have at least two jobs :) Either way, yard sales tomorrow...yay! And, we're hosting the watch party for the Arkansas vs. Texas game at a bar in Scottsdale...we're not expecting anyone else to show up so we'll see what happens. GO HOGS!!!