appreciate your natural strengths.
The more I help people craft their resumes, the more I notice how much they focus on their learned strengths.
The ones they worked for. Got certified in. Earned proof of.
Meanwhile, the strengths that came naturally—the ones they didn’t have to study for—barely make the cut.
But when we look at their careers, it’s often those effortless skills that shaped their path the most.
If I look at my own journey, it’s the same.
When I was little, I figured out pretty quickly that I was good at listening. I loved hearing people’s stories, helping them make sense of things, and brainstorming ways to make them feel better.
Fast forward a few decades, and every job I’ve had—whether in project management, recruitment, or now as a coach—has revolved around that same strength.
Listening is what helps me make people feel seen and heard, get them unstuck, and support them in ways that actually make a difference.
And I’ve built on what comes naturally, turning my instincts and curiosity into real, supportive tools through training and experience.
So, just because something comes naturally for you doesn’t mean it’s easy for everyone.
And just because you didn’t have to work hard for it doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.
Don’t take those strengths for granted. They have a bigger impact than you think—and they deserve to be appreciated.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
