I’m not sure what my strengths are—how can I answer this prompt without guessing?

Start with evidence, not labels. 1) List 3 moments you felt effective in the last year (big or small). 2) For each, finish: “People came to me for…,” “What I did that worked…,” and “Why it mattered….” 3) Circle the common verb (e.g., clarifying, encouraging, organizing, noticing). That verb often reveals a real strength. 4) Choose the one you want to be known for because it aligns with your values, not just what others praise. In Stoic, jot quick bullet points under the prompt, then write a short summary: “I want to be known for [verb] because it helps [who] with [what].” Keep it simple and grounded in your stories.

How do I write about a strength without sounding arrogant or cringey?

Use the humble-strength frame: Strength + Service + Evidence + Edge. Example: “I want to be known for clear communication (strength) that helps teammates make decisions faster (service). Last month I summarized the project chaos into a one-page plan (evidence). I’m still working on pausing before I jump in (growth edge).” This keeps your journaling honest and balanced. In the Stoic app, write two sentences for each part—short, specific, and focused on impact rather than self-promotion.

How can I turn this strength into something practical for the week so it eases my work anxiety?

Make a tiny, repeatable move: 1) Pick one context (“morning stand-up”). 2) If-then plan: “If the meeting drifts, then I’ll ask for one clear next step.” 3) Define done: “One clarifying question asked.” 4) Reflect: End of day, write one line—“How did I use my strength today, and what changed?” Revisit this prompt in Stoic for a quick nightly check-in; noticing small wins reduces overthinking and builds confidence through action.

Journaling Idea - On Strengths.

For what strength would you most like to be known?

Imagine a good friend introducing you. They say: \"My friend is really good at…\".

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Jun 12, 2022

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

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