Have you ever found yourself excelling at something that others struggle with and wondered why it feels so natural? Many of our talents and strengths are rooted in our past, shaped by the culture, values, and environment we grew up in. Just as our past can hold us back, it can also lift us up, gifting us with inherited assets that become the foundation for our successes.
Recognising Inherited Assets
Our early lives often define much of our future. The skills, virtues, and strengths we develop as children—whether from our genetics or our family environment—create a foundation for how we navigate the world. These inherited assets might include qualities like resilience, creativity, empathy, or adventure.
However, because these traits feel so natural, we often take them for granted. They become part of our "normal," and we may not even realize their significance until we notice others struggling in areas where we excel.
For example:
A naturally empathetic person might not realize how rare their ability to connect deeply with others is until they see someone else struggle with interpersonal relationships.
A person raised in a family of problem-solvers might intuitively tackle challenges easily, unaware that this skill is an inherited strength.
Turning Assets Into Cultivated Strengths
While inherited assets provide a solid foundation, their true power lies in being consciously recognized, owned, and cultivated. This process transforms a passive trait into an intentional strength that can be leveraged for greater purpose and fulfilment.
Here’s how you can begin this transformation:
Identify Your Strengths- Take time to reflect on your natural abilities and talents. What comes easily to you? What do others admire or rely on you for? Make a list of these strengths.
Trace Their Origins- Consider where these strengths might have come from. Were they modelled by your parents? Encouraged by your environment? Passed down through family values or culture?
Choose to Own Them- Ask yourself: Do I want to embrace this as part of who I am? Turning an inherited trait into a personal strength involves making a conscious decision to value and embody it.
Cultivate and Utilise- Once you’ve owned a strength, think about how you can intentionally use it in your life. For example, if you recognise adventure as an inherited asset, you might actively seek opportunities to explore, try new things, or take risks that align with your goals.
A Personal Example: Owning the Strength of Adventure
For much of my life, I was told I was adventurous—a trait I inherited from my parents. While I appreciated it, I didn’t fully embrace it until I paused to reflect:
Do I want to be adventurous? Yes.
Do I have the skills to navigate the unknown? Yes.
By consciously choosing adventure as my strength, I began seeking opportunities for exploration and risk-taking. It became a core part of my identity, empowering me to live with greater purpose and satisfaction.
The Power of Choice
When we stop to reflect on our inherited strengths and actively choose to make them our own, we unlock their full potential. These strengths become more than just traits passed down—they become powerful tools for creating a meaningful life.
A Simple Exercise to Begin
Step 1: List your strengths.
Step 2: Reflect on their origins.
Step 3: Consciously choose which ones to own and embody.
Step 4: Practice using these strengths intentionally in your daily life.
By doing this, you’ll not only bring these strengths to the forefront but also allow them to become more present and impactful in your life.
So, give it a go. Transform your inherited assets into cultivated strengths and watch how they empower you to live more authentically and effectively.
