If someone asked you what you were good at, what would be your response?

Would you find it easy to tell people what your qualities are, or would you mutter, gasp or change the subject very quickly?

Generally people struggle to understand or articulate their strengths and their skills, what they are good at and where they excel.

Many people find it easier to talk about their weaknesses. You may find yourself saying 'I can't do this,' 'I'm no good at that,' or put yourself down, and find it hard to accept that you do have strengths and abilities. Or perhaps you haven't ever thought about this subject before.

Understanding your strengths and your skills shouldn't just be confined to the time that you are in a job interview or writing a business plan when you need to state in what areas you excel, but are an important part of your career or business success.

Strengths are the qualities and characteristics you demonstrate, which may include areas such as patience, determination or drive, and skills include your ability to do certain activities well.

If you know what you are good at you can behave accordingly and make the most of your abilities, and if you know what you are not so good at, you can either take steps to improve these areas or ditch or delegate these tasks to others!

Knowing your strengths can help you in your career or your business in the following ways:

• You can develop a career that takes advantage of your qualities and talents.
• You can find out how you can stand out from the crowd.
• In business, you can develop a niche in your marketplace and distinguish yourself from your competitors.
• You will know how you can present a positive image to new employers or clients.
• You know what work you are going to be good at and when you need delegate work to others.
• You can focus on how you can develop your weaknesses.

So do you really know what you are good at?

If you've said yes, that's great news. How do you know what you are good at and how do you make the most of these strengths?

If you've said no, what would help you to make the most of you? Here are my top tips to find out.

1. Complete a personal SWOT analysis - taking a large piece of paper, break it down into four areas labeled strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, then reflect on each area and complete the grid.

2. Reflect on activities and events during your life - review what have been your strengths during these times and if you have one, record these strengths in your success diary.

3. Think about the strengths that you exhibit at work or in your business.

4. Ask your friends, family or colleagues to tell you what you are good at - you may find this difficult, but often other people will see things that you don't see yourself.

5. Take a personality profile, one that I use is the DISC personal profile and there are other personality profiles you can complete online.

So go on start to recognize and celebrate your strengths today.

About the Author: Karen Williams of Self Discovery Coaching works with people who are at a crossroads in their career. She helps them to find their way through the fog, get greater focus and take the right direction forward. Karen is a qualified coach, with an Advanced Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching from The Coaching Academy, and is also a NLP Master Practitioner. More information is available on her website: www.selfdiscoverysuccessclub.com.