The Test That Changed How I Saw Myself

For most of my life, I thought some of my biggest personality traits were my biggest flaws—things I needed to “fix” about myself. I thought and was told that I was too competitive, too obsessed with work, too focused on the future, and that I took on too much responsibility… too much on my plate (haven’t heard this a thousand times).

Then I joined a club at school called CCS Leads, a leadership development program focused on building confidence by honing your natural strengths. From the description, I most definitely wouldn’t have voluntarily joined, but one of my best friends, Adrienne, who had done it the year before, swore I’d love it, and she was right.

As part of the club, we took the CliftonStrengths assessment and that’s where my entire perception of myself fully shifted.Each week we’d dive deeper on these strengths and eventually, the very things I once saw as flaws, were actually my biggest strengths as a person. "What's right with people rather than what's wrong with them"-Don Clifton. They were why I’ve been able to grow as both an artist and entrepreneur.

In total there are 34 strengths but your top 5 are the most pertinent to you. Here’s what I learned and how you can start embracing your own so-called “weaknesses” too.

1. The Achiever in Me: Why “Never Being Satisfied” is a Superpower

I used to think I had a problem because I was never satisfied with what I accomplished. Even after reaching a big goal, I’d immediately think, Okay, what’s next? I never felt like I could just pause and enjoy the moment and the big accomplishment I just made.

Turns out, I’m an Achiever. And that’s a good thing.

Why it felt like a weakness:

• I was always burnt out.

• Wins never felt like enough.

• I skipped over celebrations and went straight to the next thing.

Why it’s a strength:

• I have unstoppable drive and grit.

• I push through challenges others would avoid.
  High-pressure moments bring out my best work.

Lesson Learned: I still strive for more—but now I give myself a little grace to recognize how far I’ve come before jumping to the next finish line.

2. Competition: Why Seeing Others Win Shows Me What's Possible

I used to wonder if being competitive meant something negative—like I only cared about being “better” than other people. But my CliftonStrengths results showed me that my competitiveness isn’t about tearing others down—it’s about using others as motivation to push myself further.

When I see others doing incredible things, it doesn’t make me feel bad, it shows me what’s possible. It reflects the potential I know I have inside me, and it pushes me to go even harder.

Why it felt like a weakness:

• I compared myself to others a little too often.

• I felt pressure to always be at the top.

• I struggled to feel proud unless I was "winning."

Why it’s a strength:

• I use others’ success as fuel—not envy.

• Competition helps me set higher standards for myself.

• It keeps me locked in and motivated to reach my full potential.

Lesson Learned: I don’t compete to tear anyone down—I compete to lift myself up. Now, I focus less on “beating” anyone and more on becoming the best version of myself.

3. Futuristic Thinking: Why Always Looking Ahead is a Gift

I’ve always been obsessed with the future—where I’m going, what’s next, how I can build something bigger. For a long time, I thought this meant I was too distracted to appreciate the present.

Then I found out that Futuristic is one of my strengths—and that my ability to envision the future is what makes me a successful artist and entrepreneur.

Why it felt like a weakness:

• I couldn’t stay in the moment.

• I overlooked what I had already achieved.

• It frustrated me when others didn’t share my vision.

Why it’s a strength:

• I spot opportunities others don’t see.

• I energize people with possibility.

• I stay two steps ahead in my creative and business goals.
  
  

Lesson Learned: I’ve learned to look ahead and reflect. Growth doesn’t cancel out gratitude.

4. Responsibility: Why Taking Ownership is a Strength (Not a Burden)

I take ownership of everything. If I say I’ll do it, I will—no matter what. I’ve always stepped in to help, even when I didn’t have to.

Sometimes that left me drained—but it also made me trustworthy.

Why it felt like a weakness:

• I said “yes” too often.

• I carried things that weren’t mine.

• Boundaries were hard for me.

Why it’s a strength:

• People know they can count on me.

• I hold myself to high standards.

• I’m a dependable leader and creative partner.

Lesson Learned: I still value responsibility, but now I choose it more wisely. I lead without losing myself in the process.

5. Input: Why My Love for Learning is My Superpower

I’ve always been a collector—of ideas, inspiration, knowledge, trophies from 1st grade…You name something and I had a notebook with a list for it. I thought this meant I was scattered or unfocused. But my CliftonStrengths results revealed that this trait, called Input, is actually what makes me such a strong artist and entrepreneur.

Input is about curiosity—and that fuels everything I do.

Why it felt like a weakness:

• I’d over-research and under-execute.

• Too many ideas, not enough action.

• People told me I asked “too many questions.”

Why it’s a strength:

• I stay ahead of trends.

• I pull creative ideas from unexpected places.

• I make smarter moves because I seek to understand first.

Lesson Learned: Now, I direct my learning with intention. I gather—and apply—what I discover.

Final Thoughts: Flip the Script

Taking the CliftonStrengths test changed how I saw myself. What I thought were flaws turned out to be the very things that make me who I am.

• My Achiever mindset keeps me growing.

• My Competition makes me strive for greatness.

• My Futuristic vision helps me dream and build boldly.

• My Responsibility grounds me in trust and consistency.

• My Input ensures I never stop learning.

So if you’ve ever been told you're “too much” of something, take a step back.

You might just be looking at your greatest strength—disguised as a flaw.