Gallup Strengths Test

  Last week my entire class took the Gallup StrengthsFinder Test. After we took the test a guest speaker came in to discuss our results.

1 - Intellection

2 - Input

3 - Adaptability

4 - Empathy

5 - Futuristic 

  My first strength is intellection. Gallup states "a mental hum is one of the constants of your life". This is incredibly applicable to me. I am always thinking about something. My mind doesn't stop. I am not the loudest in group conversations, but I am listening. Listening and thinking. Sometimes this can be a downfall, but most of the time I think I see it as a strength. Gallup also states that I see time alone as an opportunity for "musing and reflection". I am quite introspective and my mind is always buzzing about something. 

  My second strength is input. I have always had many interests. Ever since I was little I've gone through "phases". One week I was an expert on the deep sea, the next day I was an expert on Harry Potter. I've always joked that I'm not really good at any one thing, just mediocre at a ton of little things. I tend to collect small bits of useless information, the stuff that is only useful on every other Jeopardy episode or while playing Trivia Crack, but this is kind of the epitome of "Input". Gallup states that collecting a variety of information "acquiring, compelling and filing stuff away...keeps your mind fresh". This would probably explain why I can never seem to delete photos off my phone (what if I need that blurry picture of a smiling dog later?) and why I smiled and nodded sheepishly when the speaker asked if anyone had a never ending music archive.

Adaptability is my third strength. I remember one time my cousin decided to take my sister and I out to eat. We spent a good 30 minutes deciding on what restaurant because the only answer my sister and I could come up with when prompted with "where do you want to eat?" was "I don't care". I'm a pretty go-with-the-flow person. If something is goes awry my thought process is typically 1. *Mildly freaks out* 2. *Realizes that freaking out won't help* 3. *Accepts the issue and convinces self that it is for the better*.  Gallup describes those with adaptability as people who "see [the future] as a place that you create out of the choices that you make right now". 

My fourth strength is empathy. Gallup describes those with empathy as being able to "hear the unvoiced question...anticipate the need". I think that I'm pretty good at picking up the vibe other people are giving off. I can be pretty intuitive and can easily put myself in other people's shoes. I don't always necessarily agree with the other person, but I can see where they're coming from. Seeing situations from other's perspective is a strength that benefits myself and others.

Futuristic is my fifth strength. I think this is strange considering adaptability is also one of my strengths, but it makes sense. Even though I like to take things as they come I'm also always looking to the future. Gallup states "you are a dreamer...the future energizes you". Sometimes it's the little things like getting to wear a new shirt or overnight french toast, but something is always pulling me towards tomorrow.