Upon completing Gallup’s StrengthsFinder test, I discovered that my Talent Themes include Achiever, Relator, Intellection, Belief, and Input. However, I feel as though Achiever is of particular importance in my life. According to The Gallup Organization, my “Achiever theme helps explain [my] drive.” The Gallup Organization argues that the Achiever theme ignites a passion for physical success on a day-to-day basis. The Achiever in me seeks to find accomplishment in every situation and scenario, regardless of its significance. Though this desire for success is primarily a positive attribute, it can often be distracting and result in discouragement if misinterpreted. However, the energy it provides throughout my regular routine is impeccable. Long nights studying for exams and early mornings reviewing for quizzes are less of a struggle because I know that my goal will be achieved as a result of my relentless dedication.
During my junior and senior years of high school, I was a student in the International Baccalaureate Program. The IB curriculum is rather rigorous and spans a two-year period. Most of my assignments were long-term, research papers and experiments, so I frequently found myself getting bogged down. Because I couldn’t discern the light at the end of the tunnel, focusing with intent and completing the task presented to me was often very difficult. As a result, I began setting small, yet valuable, goals for myself. Upon achieving these stepping-stones, I discovered that as my sense of accomplishment increased, my interest in the topic at hand did as well. Identifying my desire for achievement, whether monumental or inconsequential, was a pivotal moment in my academic career, for I discovered what it is that motivates me, challenges me, and encourages me to pursue my dreams.
As a freshman at Texas A&M University today, I find that that my passion for checking things off my “to-accomplish” list has only increased. Just as The Gallup Organization suggests, I look to “achieve something tangible in order to feel good about [myself]” everyday. In order to ensure this happens, I have promised myself that I will set aside time each day to study, learn something new, and make progress on at least one assignment. If I am completely honest with myself, there have been many days where I have slacked off and opted to push my academics to the back of my brain. Though it is nice to be temporarily stress-free, I have concluded that the rush of adrenaline after completing a challenging question or assignment is of much more value than an hour spent with my electronic devices.
Within my small group in Business 101, I often catch myself stepping up into a leadership position, particularly when I notice that our tasks are not being completed in a timely manner. My instinct is to finish each deliverable relatively soon after it is assigned in order to avoid stress and last minute changes. Working in this group setting has been rather revealing to me because previously, I was unaware of my tendency to take control. I would attribute this yearning for completion to my fear of letting my peers down. The thought of disappointing my group members is overwhelmingly intimidating. However, I am working towards determining the balance between punctuality and angst. I am gradually beginning to comprehend the fact that there is no need to rush and that it is okay to take all the time allotted. Anxiety only makes the situation worse, so it is best to establish a reasonable timeline and follow through, as opposed to racing to complete said assignment.
The prominence of the Achiever theme in my life is advantageous because it promotes promptness and typically discourages procrastination. As The Gallup Organization states, “It brings [me] the energy [I] need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt [I] can always count on to get [me] started on new tasks, new challenges… it is the theme that keeps [me] moving.” I would consider this talent theme important and productive because it motivates me to be the best version of myself and perform to the best of my ability. I am constantly seeking opportunities for success and improvement. The Achiever in me has been slightly disappointed with a few of the grades I have received thus far, suggesting that I should reflect on the manner in which I prepared for my assignments and look for areas susceptible to improvement. For example, my study habits have developed tremendously just over the first four weeks of classes. I am gradually learning which behaviors benefit me most. Specifically, I have discovered that it is important for me to begin studying early, rewrite my notes, and assess myself without the use of outside resources.
On the other hand, the Achiever theme frequently causes me to focus too objectively on assignments, often times to the point where I am completing them for the thrill, as opposed to the academic benefit. Furthermore, there are moments when I reflect on my performance and realize that I didn’t put forth my very best effort, such as on the Bloom’s Taxonomy quiz. There are many days where I feel as though my life revolves around my to-do list, and I forget to live and enjoy myself. I am making a conscious effort to find success and achievement in the social aspects of my life, in addition to the academic ones. I feel as though at this point in my life, I am applying the Achiever theme too directly to my studies, rather than all of my endeavors.
In my opinion, the Achiever theme will be extremely applicable over the course of my freshman year. I intend to wholeheartedly apply it to both my academics and extra curricular activities. I believe that this theme will allow me to remain focused on the reason I am here at Texas A&M, to grow as a student and citizen, while blossoming into the person I am intended to be. Being punctual often allows for more leisure time, so I feel that being an Achiever will ultimately benefit me as an individual, for it condones personal growth. In school, I plan to maintain a detailed agenda that includes all appointments, assignments, and expectations because I feel that organization is imperative when seeking achievement. Outside of the classroom, I want to grow as a leader and find new ways of obtaining the sense of achievement that I long for.
In the long run, my tendency to be an over-achiever will make me stand out among my peers, particularly in the competitive world of business. Initiative and ambition are often two character traits that members of my generation lack. However, the Achiever talent theme embodies both of these ideals and sets me apart from my competitors. I feel as though my desire to pursue of the best version of myself and subsequent daily successes will allow me to attain all of the goals I have set for myself, including becoming a lawyer and successful businesswoman. Though these are my long-term ambitions, I am able to evaluate my progress due to my realistic, step-by-step objectives.
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