By Laura A. Belsten, Ph.D.
What is it? Do you have it? How do you know? Test yourself with this quick quiz. For each question, give yourself a score from 1 to 10 points, with 1 being “I never feel this way” and 10 being “I feel this way all the time.”
I am fully aware of my professional strengths and weaknesses;
I am in full control of my life;
I know what I want and go after it;
I understand and respect myself;
I can make things happen;
I have the ability to get what I want
I am decisive; I can make decisions despite uncertainties and ambiguity;
I feel completely comfortable voicing views that are unpopular;
I go out on a limb for what is right, even if it means jeopardizing my career; and
I’m living my life exactly as I want.
Total your responses, and see where you come out in the categories below:
High personal power (91-100):
You are among the elite who have a strong sense of your own worth and capability. You live life with an “inner knowing,” a calm conviction about who you are and your ability to get the things you want and need in your life.
Moderately high (81-90):
You have a greater sense of personal power than most people.
Moderate (71-80):
You are doing well in some areas, but may need to work on a few others. Look back at your lower scores. Is there a theme? Can you resolve to work on this?
Moderately low (61-70):
You are exercising personal power on a more limited basis, and probably need to look at specific actions you can take to boost your scores.
Low personal power (60 and below): Don’t despair! This score simply explains why life seems overwhelming and difficult at times. As you work to increase your personal power, you will experience dramatic results in how you view, respond to and address life’s challenges.
People with a highly-developed sense of personal power believe they can set the direction of their lives. They define themselves from the “inside out” (I am capable, I am creative, I speak up and do the right thing) rather than from the “outside in” (I’m a corporate executive, I’m an attorney).
The opposite of personal power is helplessness or hopelessness, crippling self-doubt, and a lack of conviction to tackle life’s tough challenges.
Personal power is a critical emotional intelligence competency that reveals itself in strong personal presentation, in the ability to confidently take on new challenges, and quickly master new jobs or skills. People with high personal power are catalysts, movers, and initiators who don’t hesitate to take on controversial issues and stand up for what they believe despite opposition and disagreement. Quite simply, personal power is the degree to which you believe you can meet life’s challenges and live the life you choose.
Do you have a strong sense of personal power?
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