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Many people have strengths that are hidden from themselves and others.

Uncovering your hidden strengths allows you to use them more intentionally and make a stronger contribution.

Your strengths might be hidden because they are masked by a weakness, miscalibrated, or undervalued by others.

The people who can help you identify your strengths are not necessarily those who have known you the longest.

Let me tell you the story of Steven.

In high school, Steven’s teachers described him as bright but disruptive. He frequently challenged rules and authority figures. He was abrasive, impatient, and dismissive of others who couldn’t keep up with his ideas.

Steven had a restless personality and was attracted to unusual and extreme ideas. He dropped out of college after one semester and eventually found a job at a video-game company. His coworkers recognized him as brilliant and creative. But because of his poor hygiene and difficulty getting along with other employees, he was assigned the night shift.

Over time, Steven internalized the feedback he repeatedly received: Because of his difficult personality, he would never be successful. Steven never managed to hold a stable job and lived a life marked by bitterness and obscurity.

At least, that’s what you might predict from the story so far.

Everything I told you is true, except for the last two sentences. I was referring to Steven Paul Jobs, better known as Steve Jobs. After his stint at Atari, Jobs co-founded Apple, whose products are beloved by millions around the world.

Jobs had confidence in his abilities and never allowed the naysayers to squash his dreams. But imagine an alternate history in which Jobs lacked confidence and didn’t recognize his strengths. Perhaps his career would have unfolded differently.

Most of us will never have careers that rival Jobs’s, but his life offers important lessons about recognizing and managing our strengths and weaknesses.

I’m convinced that many people have hidden strengths—strengths hidden from........

© Psychology Today