I’m not pretty enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m too loud. I’m too quiet. I’m too tall, too short, too [insert your own struggle here].”
Ever been bombarded by these thoughts? After a long school year, I’m guessing some of them have spent a little too much time swirling around in your head. Maybe they’ve even brought you down a bit. And honestly, summer isn’t always a break from those thoughts. Swimsuit season can mess with your body image. Your best friend’s trip to the Caribbean might mess with your contentment with being stuck at home all summer. All this to say, we tend to focus so much on what we don’t have—our weaknesses—that we forget what we do have: the strengths God has uniquely designed in us to shine with purpose.
When I mentor teenage girls, I notice something interesting. Most can list a dozen weaknesses without even thinking, but when I ask about their strengths, they get stuck. How sad is that? But I get it—I’ve been there too. It’s time we get better at recognizing and claiming the strengths God has given us!
So… here’s my challenge. While others might be doing a “Summer Strength Challenge” at the gym, we’re going to do our own version: a Summer “Strength” Challenge for your heart. One that helps you discover your individual strengths, embrace them, and live them out so you can shine for Jesus! Are you in???
Week 1: Noticing
This week is all about living your normal summer life—but with intention. Start noticing the positives you bring into different situations. Anytime you think, “Wow, I really enjoyed that,” or “I felt confident there,” or “I liked how I handled that,” make a note of it. You don’t have to name a specific strength yet. Simply notice the positive moments. (And yes, there will be “weak” moments. That’s part of being human. But this week, the goal is to focus on the good!)
Week 2: Naming
Go back to those positive moments from last week and start defining the specific strengths of yours that were at play. What was showing up in those situations? Remember: think character strengths, not just talents or physical appearance. Write them down in a journal, maybe next to the moment they came from. If you need help getting started, here are some examples: Bravery, Curiosity, Kindness, Creativity, Enthusiasm, Love, Honesty, Gratitude, Fairness, Patience, Wisdom, Hope, Humor, Social Intelligence, Team Player, Spirituality, Perseverance.
Week 3: Claiming & Embracing
Now it’s time to own these amazing God-given strengths! In your journal or on your mirror, write statements like: “I am kind,” “I am enthusiastic,” “I am persevering.” Use “I am” statements to really claim them as yours! Then, each morning this week, say them out loud as you get ready. This is your mini pump-up for the day. Yes, it might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. The more you speak it over yourself, the more you will begin to believe it. Make it fun if you want: turn it into a little rhyme, song, or even a goofy rap. Let it stick. Speak it as truth—because it is!
Week 4: Living it Out
Let’s put those strengths into action, living out what the Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” Think of this as your “practice week” to build your “strength” muscles. Focus on one strength each day. As your day naturally plays out, look for different instances where you can use your strength for others (or even just yourself). For example: If your strength is gratitude, intentionally thank your mom for making dinner. If it’s creativity, invent a new game with your siblings to combat summer boredom!
The “Final Results”
By noticing, naming, claiming, and living out your strengths, you’re building them up—just like muscles. And just like real muscles, growth isn’t always easy (fun fact: muscles actually tear a little in order to get stronger). But before you know it, your inner strengths will shine, all because you are embracing the way God uniquely designed you, who He made you to be. And, bonus! You can carry these strengths into your next school year. You’ll be strong enough to not only lift yourself up, but others as well—by helping your classmates, working diligently for your teachers, loving your friends, and forgiving those who hurt you. You’ll be living with purpose using your God-given strengths. Beast mode: activated!