Embracing Your Strengths: How Trauma Survivors Can Leverage Their Unique Qualities for Career Growth

Introduction

As trauma survivors, we often focus on the challenges and obstacles we face in our personal and professional lives. This tendency is rooted in a concept known as negativity bias, which is our brain’s natural inclination to focus on and remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones.

Negativity bias serves an important purpose — it keeps us safe by helping us identify and avoid potential threats. However, in our modern lives, this bias can cause us to overlook the strengths and qualities that have helped us navigate difficult experiences.

The truth is that what we focus on becomes bigger in our minds. When we fixate on our weaknesses or limitations, we give them power over us. But when we shift our attention to our strengths and unique qualities, we open ourselves up to new possibilities for growth and success.

In this article, we’ll explore how embracing and leveraging these strengths can lead to tremendous growth and success in the workplace. We’ll discuss the challenges trauma survivors may face in identifying their strengths and provide guidance on overcoming these obstacles. By the end of this article, you’ll have a roadmap for leveraging your unique qualities to thrive in your career journey.

Identifying Your Strengths

The first step in leveraging your strengths is to identify them. As trauma survivors, we may have developed qualities such as:

• Resilience. The ability to bounce back from challenges and adapt to change
• Empathy. A deep understanding of others’ emotions and experiences
• Creativity. Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability. Flexibility in navigating new situations and environments
• Courage. The bravery to face fears and take risks

For example, a trauma survivor who has faced numerous challenges in their life may have developed exceptional resilience, allowing them to persevere through difficult times in their career.

The Struggle of Identifying Our Strengths

For many of us who have experienced childhood trauma, identifying our strengths can feel like a daunting task. The impact of trauma on our identity formation can make it difficult to recognize and celebrate the unique qualities that make us who we are.

When we grow up in an environment where our needs aren’t met, our boundaries are violated, or our worth is constantly questioned, we may internalize the belief that we don’t have any inherent strengths or value. We may struggle with self-doubt, impostor syndrome, or a constant sense of not being “enough.”

It’s important to remember that these beliefs are a product of our trauma, not a reflection of our true selves. Our experiences may have shaped us, but they do not define us. We have the power to rewrite our narratives and discover the strengths that have been within us all along.

One way to begin this process is by reflecting on our experiences and looking for patterns of resilience, creativity, empathy, or other qualities that have helped us navigate challenges. We can also seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues who may recognize strengths in us that we haven’t yet seen in ourselves.

It’s also crucial to practice self-compassion and patience as we embark on this journey of self-discovery. Unlearning the negative beliefs we’ve internalized about ourselves takes time and effort. We may have days where it feels like we’re taking two steps forward and one step back, but every small step is progress.

Remember, our strengths are not contingent upon our productivity, achievements, or external validation. They are inherent parts of who we are, waiting to be nurtured and celebrated. By leaning into self-discovery, self-compassion, and the support of our loved ones, we can begin to embrace our unique strengths and leverage them for personal and professional growth.

Leveraging Your Strengths for Career Growth

Once you have identified your unique strengths, consider how you can leverage them to advance your career:

• Highlight your strengths in job applications and interviews. When applying for new positions or discussing your professional development with a supervisor, emphasize how your strengths align with the role and can contribute to the organization’s success. For instance, if you’re applying for a leadership position, you can discuss how your empathy and resilience make you an effective and supportive leader.
• Seek out opportunities that align with your strengths. Look for projects, roles, or initiatives that allow you to showcase and develop your unique qualities. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, performance, and recognition. If you’re a creative problem-solver, look for opportunities to tackle complex challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Share your perspective and insights. As a trauma survivor, you bring a unique lens and understanding to the workplace. Don’t be afraid to share your insights and ideas, as they can provide valuable contributions to your team and organization. Your experiences may have given you a keen ability to anticipate challenges and develop proactive strategies.
• Mentor and support others. Your experiences and strengths can be a source of inspiration and guidance for others, particularly those who may be facing similar challenges. Consider mentoring a colleague or participating in employee resource groups to support and empower others. By sharing your story and insights, you can help others recognize and leverage their own strengths.

Journal Prompts

• Reflect on a challenging experience you faced in your personal or professional life. What strengths or qualities did you display in navigating that situation, and how can you apply those strengths to your current career goals?
• Think of a time when you felt most energized and fulfilled in your work. What strengths were you utilizing in that situation, and how can you create more opportunities to apply those strengths in your current role
• Reflect on a mentor or supporter who has positively impacted your personal or professional growth. What qualities did they embody, and how can you pay forward that support to others in your workplace?

Conclusion

Embracing and leveraging your unique strengths as a trauma survivor is a powerful tool for career growth and success. By identifying your strengths, highlighting them in your professional endeavors, seeking aligned opportunities, sharing your perspectives, and supporting others, you can create a fulfilling and thriving career path.

Remember, your experiences have shaped you into a resilient, empathetic, and courageous individual with valuable contributions to make. Trust in your strengths, celebrate your progress, and know that your unique qualities are an asset to any organization fortunate enough to have you on their team.

Start by identifying one strength you possess and brainstorm ways to leverage it in your career this week. Small steps can lead to significant growth and success over time. Embrace your unique qualities and watch your career flourish.

An Invitation

If you’d like to join an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)

The RCA Community is a group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential in their careers.

The benefits to you are:

Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions
Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career
If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community

As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.

Trigger Tracker Template — Track and plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.

Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.

You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.

Photo by KirstenMarie on Unsplash

 

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