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Unlocking Your Potential: How Women Can Identify and Embrace Their Strengths

Empowering women in science leads to more diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and a stronger global scientific community.

By: Nermeen Gamal

Tue, Feb. 11, 2025

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science honors the achievements of women in scientific fields and advocates for greater gender equality in STEM.

It highlights the importance of breaking down barriers that limit opportunities for women and encourages young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

By recognizing the contributions of women scientists and fostering inclusive environments, this day serves as a call to action for governments, institutions, and communities to support equal access to education, research opportunities, and leadership roles.

Every woman possesses a wealth of strengths and talents, but not all of them are immediately obvious. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, start a new business, or gain more confidence in your abilities, identifying your strengths and uncovering hidden skills is a powerful step toward personal and professional growth.

Self-awareness is key to recognizing what makes you unique. By assessing your abilities, passions, and experiences, you can develop a clearer understanding of your strengths and how to leverage them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate your skills and unlock your full potential.

Reflect on Your Achievements

Start by looking back at your past successes, no matter how big or small. Think about moments when you felt proud of your work, overcame a challenge, or received praise from others.

Identify What Comes Naturally to You

Your strengths often align with tasks that feel easy or enjoyable. Pay attention to the activities that you can do effortlessly while others may struggle.

Sometimes, we overlook our own talents because they feel so natural. By acknowledging what comes easily to you, you can begin to appreciate your unique abilities.

Ask for Feedback

Sometimes, others can see our strengths more clearly than we can. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, mentors, or colleagues and ask:

What do you think are my strongest qualities?

What skills or talents do you see in me?

How would you describe my strengths in a professional setting?

Hearing an outside perspective can help validate the skills you already recognize or reveal hidden talents you haven’t noticed.

Explore Your Interests and Passions

Your passions can often point you toward hidden strengths. Think about the activities that excite and energize you.

Often, skills develop naturally when you are engaged in something you love. If you enjoy problem-solving, organizing, or creating, these interests can reveal underlying strengths.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

One of the best ways to discover hidden skills is by trying new things. Push yourself to take on new challenges, whether it’s learning a new language, taking up public speaking, or trying a different role at work. Growth happens when we stretch beyond our limits.

Recognize Soft Skills as Strengths

Many women overlook their soft skills, but these are just as valuable as technical abilities. Communication, empathy, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership are all strengths that contribute to success in any field.

Take note of how you handle relationships, conflicts, and teamwork. If you’re great at resolving issues, staying calm under pressure, or motivating others, these are powerful strengths to embrace.

Set Goals to Develop Your Strengths

Once you’ve identified your strengths, it’s important to put them into action. Set clear goals to refine and use your abilities in meaningful ways.

Evaluating your strengths as a woman is not just about identifying what you’re good at—it’s about recognizing your full potential. By reflecting on your achievements, seeking feedback, exploring new experiences, and embracing your natural abilities, you can unlock new opportunities and build a stronger, more confident version of yourself.

Remember, your strengths are not fixed. They evolve as you grow, learn, and challenge yourself. Take the time to discover your talents, nurture them, and use them to create a life that aligns with your passions and aspirations.