So it was 30 years ago on his sweltering summer day in New York City , up on the fourth floor of this steamy , un-air conditioned dance studio , right smack in the middle of Times Square . All the professional dancers took class there , alongside the aspiring dancers who dreamed of making it on the Great White Way . You couldn't even see out the windows , which were completely steamed over , and the energy in the room it was palpable . So I had just struck the final pose of the high energy jazz combo , having quite literally left my all on the dance floor , when the teacher who had trained some of the most famous dancers and later became my mentor started walking slowly towards me . I will never forget that moment .
Speaker 1There was a kind of hush in the studio as my sweat-drenched classmates parted to let our teacher pass . I felt the beads of sweat running down my nose and my forehead as I held the pose . This was going to be my moment , i thought to myself . I have never , ever danced harder or better . I thought All eyes were on me . Hey , canada , he said , but at least he remembered I was the green kid from the Great White North . Here comes the compliment , i thought , still holding the pose ready to receive the acknowledgement . Wait for it Too strong , he said . That's it . That's all he said . And then he turned his back on me and walked away .
Speaker 1What followed was a deli roast chicken , a case of beer and a whole lot of tears . I was devastated . I had never felt so knocked down and I sure as heck had never been criticized before for my strength . It was my asset . It's what set me apart . It was what would get me where I wanted to go , or was it ? These days ? in my coaching practice , i have found that it isn't uncommon for my high-performing clients to default to their strengths . They rely on doing things the same way , because they believe that if it worked before , then it will always work . Don't get me wrong . These are very accomplished people who have developed some serious skills and ways of operating , and I can't really blame them either , since most of these strengths and habits are behind their high levels of success Up until now , like me in the dance studio all those years ago , although my strength was what got me to where I was that day , dancing among the pros in New York City , it wasn't the thing that was going to get me where I wanted to go .
Speaker 1Next , when we default to our strengths , or even to what we always do because it works . We end up overshadowing aspects of ourselves and missing out on other possibilities , experiences and areas to grow . Think about it . I don't know , maybe you're known for something . You've become almost unconsciously competent in an area of your life that you don't even need to think about it . Everyone assumes that you're going to do it . It's expected of you and you know how to deliver and it feels familiar . Therefore , it must be right .
Speaker 1But I'm here to tell you that we all walk a fine line between getting into the groove and falling into a rut with any established routine or habit or way of doing something . What are you missing out on by resorting to doing things the same way ? Be ordering the same thing at the restaurant or warming up the same way before a performance . What happens when your favorite item on the menu isn't available or your pre-show warm-up doesn't seem to be working anymore ? What happens when you realize you haven't developed a taste for anything else on the menu or learned other ways to prepare to perform ?
Speaker 1You see , our strengths don't need to become our defaults . They can be valued tools in our toolkit or even jewels in our collection that we can consciously call upon when we choose . These are well-developed things . Your strengths are not going anywhere When you're not using them . I promise you that you will discover other new and interesting items on your own menu of abilities . I encourage you to let go of being the expert and adopt a growth mindset . Acknowledge your strengths by all means , but don't rely on them . There is so much more room to grow and expand . I'm Lisa Hopkins . Thanks so much for listening . Stay safe and healthy , everyone , and remember to live in the moment .