I need to buy a car. This decision thrills my husband, John. He gets up early and stays up late to research all possible car choices. He relishes the research of finding just the right car that balances all our needs perfectly. He has taken on the hero’s journey to find the Holy Grail of cars. I feel drained and depressed by the whole ordeal. Why does the same challenge leave me flat and John floating? And, how do I rejuvenate myself during the task?

We all have our own likes and dislikes. For some reason, some of us are attracted to cars and some of us are not. These preferences drive us on a physiological level. Like being right or left handed, there is no denying it. You use both hands, but one is always stronger and easier than the other. When we combine these biological preferences with strong emotional preferences we are driven by our very being to excel. We love to practice our skills in this area just for the joy of practicing. We do this subconsciously. Scientists call this intersection of talent and attraction a strength. One of the signs of a strength is constant, often unconscious, practicing. Another sign you are using a strength is that when you are doing it, you are happy, you hum along smoothly.

Both John and I have a skill and a natural aptitude for analysis. I love to analyze how to be happy tips, and he loves to analyze cars. We really shine when our talent for analysis matches our preferences. When we do not align with our preferences, we can get through, but it takes more work and it is not as much fun.

A research team at Gallop Poll found much the same thing and they documented their research in two remarkable books, First, Break All the Rules, and Now, Discover Your Strengths. Based on thousands of survey responses, they found that the companies with the best profits and best customer service had the happiest employees. The happiest employees almost always said they were happy at work because they got to use one of their strengths every day.

Dr. Martin Seligman, a positive psychology researcher and one of the founders of the VIA Institute found much the same thing. People who used strengths and virtues were consistently happier in their lives. You can take a free test to discover your strengths and virtues on the VIA site . There is also a test to discover 34 work related strengths at strengths finder, for a fee. Keep a list of the things you are good at and the things you like to do. What lights up your eyes and puts a spring in your step? Take the time to write it down.

How will I rejuvenate myself during the process of buying a car? It turns out that just asking myself that question turns me on. I will make the most of John’s strengths by asking him to find the two or three best cars, then make a quick choice between them at the last minute.

Find the things you are good at and that make you hum and do them every day to keep your enthusiasm high.

Affirmation
I know my strengths. I know what makes me hum and what I am good at.

Journal or Meditation Question
What do I like doing most? What do I practice all the time? What am I good at? What are my strengths?

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