Strengths!

So I'm going to get around to re-taking the Strengths test to see if they've changed at all, but here are the results from my test last year :-).

Maximizer- I love making good things even better. I don't get particularly excited about trying to make something bad into something good, because I'd rather invest in something that's already strong. I like to see people put into positions where they are most effective, because their strengths are put to use and thus enhanced in those situations.

Adaptability- I live in the moment. I love it when things get changed around last minute and I have to figure out a new plan of action. I'm incredibly spontaneous, and often initiate random trips to the beach, Donut Man, my home town, Hollywood, wherever.

Competition- As a musician I'm contantly competing with those around me. I hate losing, but outside of music stuff I am usually a good sport about things.

Individualization- I act differently around different people. Not that I'm wishy-washy, but I like to figure out how I can best interact with others. In group settings or around people that I don't know at all I tend to be pretty introverted, as I don't know how others will react to my actions.

Relator- I see others in terms of their commonalities with me. That sounds pretty conceited, I realize. However, tell me 5 things about yourself and I can figure out what we have in common. I love finding out that I know someone that you randomly know too, or that I've been to the town where you live, or just other random things like that. I seek to find common ground between myself and people who seem much different than me.

Maximizer and Relator are a pair for me, as are Individualization and Adaptability. It would get rather tedious to explain how, but I see those strengths working in conjunction more often then I see them working individually in my life.

I know these explanations were short, but that's because I didn't go back and re-read the explanations out of the book. What I'm left with are the boiled down, working definitions of how these strengths have played out in my life over the last year.

Who am I?

My name is Steven, and I'm a sophomore at APU. I'm a Christian and a musician; those 2 roles largely define who I am. I'm an Alpha leader, and I have a fantastic Alpha group :-). I struggle day-to-day to walk closer with my savior, Jesus Christ. I am happiest when making music, or when in the company of great friends; making music with the company of good friends would thus be my favorite possible situation. I love comedy, I love laughing, I love loving through my actions, I love providing for others, I love naps (and sleeping in general), I love hiking, I love bike rides, I love roller coasters, I love photography. I hate horror movies, the sensation on falling, feeling powerless, watching others suffer, and not having the right words to say in a given situation. I'm big on respect...disrespectful people drive me crazy. Basic respect for self and others can change the world.

I am chronically late, and I can't stand it. I wish I could figure out how to be on time.

I'm very independent. My parents and I get along, but I see them more as equals than as superiors. I love driving, but hate paying for gas. I love the urban "hustle and bustle", and I love Los Angeles so much. I love speaking Spanish, and want to improve at it. I love random acts of love, expressed in kind deeds and/or words, giving and receiving.

Most of the time, I guess I don't really think about who I am. I want be more intentional about who I am and who I feel called to be. I tend to let others define who I see myself as...not an ideal situation. I am honest and open with others, but not particularly emotional at all. I'm always there for those I love. Friends come first for me, before classwork, my personal agenda, often even before my family.


I am tired. Goodnight blogger.