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Focus on This · Today · 33 min

The Self-Awareness Advantage

“Know thyself.” It’s ancient advice that still applies in the modern workplace. In this episode, Joel and Marissa continue unpacking The Priority Filter by considering how self-awareness serves you on the clock and why it’s a key consideration as you determine what you do today. They dig into personality, proficiency, and passion, and what each lens offers as you redesign your work to maximize your contribution. If you’ve ever wondered why your days feel so full of friction, there’s a good chance there’s misalignment between the work you do and who you are. It’s time to close the gap. Key Takeaways You’re Wired for Some Work. Your personality informs the work you’re suited to do—whether you’re detail-oriented or visionary, cautious or risk-tolerant, novelty-seeking or consistency-loving. These patterns help you notice the work that fits who you are. You’re Paid for Proficiency. There are some things you’re truly good at. They’re the skills people actually pay you for, shaped by your aptitudes and past experiences. If your proficiencies are underutilized in your current role, that’s an opportunity. Passion Can Fuel Momentum. When you’re energized by your work, it can drive your success. The danger is losing yourself in work that sparks your interest without leveraging your skill. If you’re passionate but not proficient, you have to let it go. Treat Assessments as Signposts. There are so many assessments you can try: WorkStyle, StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, Kolbe, Enneagram, and more. Even if they’re not completely accurate, they’re often directionally right. Take what fits and leave the rest. Ask for Outside Eyes. As you explore what seems true about you, involve other people—a spouse, friend, boss, or close colleague. Ask where they see your strengths and where you get stuck. Other people often notice patterns you miss. Be You All the Way. Working with the grain of who you are maximizes your effectiveness. You don’t have to be good at everything. Spend more time where you add value, and problem-solve for the gaps. Resources Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound

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“Know thyself.” It’s ancient advice that still applies in the modern workplace. In this episode, Joel and Marissa continue unpacking The Priority Filter by considering how self-awareness serves you on the clock and why it’s a key consideration as you determine what you do today. They dig into personality, proficiency, and passion, and what each lens offers as you redesign your work to maximize your contribution. If you’ve ever wondered why your days feel so full of friction, there’s a good chance there’s misalignment between the work you do and who you are. It’s time to close the gap.


Key Takeaways

  • You’re Wired for Some Work. Your personality informs the work you’re suited to do—whether you’re detail-oriented or visionary, cautious or risk-tolerant, novelty-seeking or consistency-loving. These patterns help you notice the work that fits who you are.
  • You’re Paid for Proficiency. There are some things you’re truly good at. They’re the skills people actually pay you for, shaped by your aptitudes and past experiences. If your proficiencies are underutilized in your current role, that’s an opportunity.
  • Passion Can Fuel Momentum. When you’re energized by your work, it can drive your success. The danger is losing yourself in work that sparks your interest without leveraging your skill. If you’re passionate but not proficient, you have to let it go.
  • Treat Assessments as Signposts. There are so many assessments you can try: WorkStyle, StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, Kolbe, Enneagram, and more. Even if they’re not completely accurate, they’re often directionally right. Take what fits and leave the rest.
  • Ask for Outside Eyes. As you explore what seems true about you, involve other people—a spouse, friend, boss, or close colleague. Ask where they see your strengths and where you get stuck. Other people often notice patterns you miss.
  • Be You All the Way. Working with the grain of who you are maximizes your effectiveness. You don’t have to be good at everything. Spend more time where you add value, and problem-solve for the gaps.


Resources


This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound

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