Superpowers are wonderful and can take you far in life. But when taken too far, they can work to your disadvantage. You need to be aware of the flip side of your superpowers — killer strengths –especially if you’re under pressure or stressed out.
Keep superpowers from becoming killer strengths by being aware, developing your other superpowers, and getting outside perspectives. Click To TweetKiller strengths start out as something you’re great at, but morph into something that no longer serves you. If you’re great at analysis (superpower), you could lock things down into analysis-paralysis (killer strength). If you’re a relationship-builder, you might over-rely on getting consensus for everything from everyone when you’re under stress. Is one of your superpowers driving projects forward? You may lean toward being over-controlling in pressure situations. If you’re an out-of-the-box thinker, you might edge into anarchy if you get carried away.
Keep Superpowers from Turning Into Killer Strengths
Here are 3 tips to keep your superpowers in check: be aware, develop other superpowers, and get outside perspectives.
Be aware.
When you know the possibilities, it’s easier to keep a lid on things. You’ll be more likely to pull yourself back from a full-blown superpower meltdown if you know you have the tendency to go that route. If you know you tighten down and exert more and more control as things get stressful for you, be sure to check in with yourself in times of pressure to make sure you’re not overusing your superpower of control.
Develop your other superpowers.
When you only have a hammer in your toolbox, you either only get to pound nails, or you wind up using your hammer to do stuff a hammer wasn’t meant to do. (Pro-tip: hammers can’t take the place of screwdrivers.) If you’ve got several different superpowers, chances are better that you’ll have the right superpower for the job.
Get some outside perspective.
Whether it’s a coworker, your manager, a mentor, or a coach, talking with someone who has a different viewpoint can help you see things you might not. And when stuff gets stressful, ask for help. When you’re stressed, you’re less likely to be able to see your superpowers morph into killer strengths.
How do you make sure your superpowers don’t turn into killer strengths? Post a comment below with your best tip!