As much as I would love to have the powers of Wanda Maximoff or Carol Danvers (Marvel nerd here), I do not. (Curses that I don’t live in the MCU or maybe not because no attacks from the big three: aliens, wizards, or androids–it just depends on how you spin it.) I digress, but the focus of today’s blog is on leaning into your superpowers. Now the word “superpower” has been a bit of a buzzword, but I want to focus on how to find what it is and the initial feeling you get when you lean into it. Let’s dive in!
So, how do you know what your superpower is? Chances are that unless you’ve already done this work, you’re thinking that there’s nothing special about your skills and talents. To that sir or ma’am, I kindly and strongly say, “You are incorrect, but stick with me to hear why.” Unless you’re a Marvel superhero or an elite athlete, most superpowers are subtle to us. We don’t realize what makes us amazing because it comes natural to us. We think to ourselves, “Oh, that is so easy. I bet everyone can do that/knows this/thinks like this.” That is NOT the case. Although Nate and I have only been married for ~1.5 years, I can assure you that we think completely differently and have different strengths. What comes naturally to me does not to him and vice versa. At first this was mind blowing to me until I realized that I could use my strengths (aka superpowers) to help him and others.
Okay now you may be thinking, “Lindsay, that is great for you, but I don’t think I’m special still.” Stop that! AND before you think of your own skills, I want you to ask others. Ask as many people as you can what they admire about you or what they think your strengths are. Ask your partner, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, co-workers, anyone who knows you (not strangers because stranger danger and they need to have interacted with you to give an honest answer). You might be surprised what you learn, AND you’ll likely see a theme. Want an example? Great! Here are what some people have said about me. “Your drive and ability to achieve goals.” “You’re resourceful when going after something.” “You’re a cheerleader of my goals and set an example to dream big.” “You have courage to change positions that help you step into your dream.” “You remain true to yourself as you progress.” Did you see a theme? If you said goal setting and taking action, then A+ for you. (If not, I’ll still give you an A for reading my words.) I seriously thought that setting goals and moving toward them was something everyone did. Apparently not.
After asking your pals and confidants (cheers to Betty White), reflect and align what was said with what you enjoy/are good at. You’ll likely see the theme strengthen. It may not be directly the same theme depending on the context of your superpowers. Give it some good thought and the time it deserves. I recommend journaling for reflection–it helps me greatly. When journaling, just let it flow. No pressure to write something specific. Just let your writing guide you.
Now the context for the feeling of release when accepting your superpower(s). Last week, I posted how I’ve been “not myself recently”. After journaling, I realized that it was in part to me not using my achieving superpower. I had no goal for too long and felt aimless. While journaling I was able to identify that and how I can harness my own strengths to improve my mood. Better yet I could add another strength and passion of mine, education and teaching. I have some big ideas. Once I get more information, I’ll let you all know what my next big goal is. I can tell you know though that I feel excited and invigorated and “ready to conquer the world”. This week’s photo is me thinking about my new goal. It is such an amazing feeling. I want this for you. Tap into your superpower. Step in and be your own hero. Use those skills and your perspective that no one else has!
I am cheering you on and routing for you 100% because you are GREATER THAN not using your superpower.
Greater Than 