Steps in Identifying Strengths for Disaster Relief Workers

As rebuilding continues after the LA fires, many in the community feel frustration and discouragement. It’s not uncommon for people to begin doubting themselves in the face of such massive loss and change. As disaster relief workers, you are on the front lines, helping our community rise again from the ashes. Yet even with tireless effort, you may sometimes feel helpless especially when systems, policies, or paperwork limit how much you can do. In those moments, knowing your strengths becomes essential to resilience. Your strengths provide an inner foundation, a steady place to stand when everything else feels uncertain. They remind you of what you can control and offer tools to help you adapt, support others, and stay grounded through challenges. Below are ways to identify your strengths and tips to grow them: 

Spotting Your Strengths: 

1. Identifying Strengths in Characters: Begin by thinking about a fictional character you admire such as someone from a book, movie, or TV show who has inspired you. This could be a superhero, a leader, or even an ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances. 
   • Take some time to write out a list of their inner qualities that make them effective or admirable (Examples: courage, compassion, determination, creativity, sense of humor, adaptability). 
   • Journal how these strengths help them through challenges or set backs, as well as how they support or uplift others around them. 
2. Identifying Strengths in Others: Similarly, select an inspiring person you know. This could be a family member, friend, mentor or anyone else you admire. 
   • Spend some time reflecting on and writing down the inner qualities that make them truly admirable and effective.
   • Write about how their strengths help them overcome obstacles and positively impact those around them.
3. Identifying Strengths in Yourself: Now, turn your focus inward. What are your own strengths and passions? Take a few moments to write them out, using the questions below as a guide to help you uncover what truly drives and defines you.
   • What sort of activities fill you with energy?
   • When do you feel you were at your best during the past week?
   • What are your goals for the future?
   • What traits do you admire in other people? Do you see any of these same qualities in yourself? How have you used them in your own life or work? 
   • Identifying your strengths may be difficult by yourself. Try asking loved ones around you for their input. 
4. Applying Your Strengths: After identifying your strengths, practice applying them to your current context. Here are two activities to reflect on and journal through.
   • Take a few minutes to write down some challenges you’re currently facing. Then, review your list of strengths and reflect on how they can be applied to these situations. In what ways can your strengths help you respond, adapt, or overcome these challenges? Choose one or two strengths and list specific steps to help you put these strengths into practice. Consider what potential outcomes or changes you hope to see by using your strengths.
   • Take some time to brainstorm new and creative ways to apply your strengths in different areas of your life such as exploring a new hobby, starting a personal project, or pursuing a career change. Be sure to detail how you would put these strengths into action and what steps you would take to make it happen.
   • Here are more questions to journal: 
     • Do you ever rely too heavily on your strength? Is there anywhere you underutilize your strength?
     • What is the impact of your strength on others, and how do you know this? What feedback do you get from others about your strength?
5. Growing Your Strengths: We are dynamic beings, capable of growing and developing our strengths. As you review the strengths you listed in steps 1 and 2, take some time to identify the ones you’d like to nurture and grow further. After listing the strengths you want to grow, take some time to work through the prompts below.

• Why do I want to grow this particular strength?
• What impact do I hope it will have on my life or the lives of others?
• What specific actions can I take to nurture and develop this strength?
• Are there habits, skills, or practices I can adopt?
• What challenges might I face in growing this strength, and how can I overcome them?
• Who or what can support me in this growth journey?
• Are there mentors, resources, or communities I can turn to?
• How will I measure or recognize progress in developing this strength?
• What small wins or signs of growth should I look out for?
• In what areas of my life can I intentionally practice this strength starting today?
• How will strengthening this quality influence my relationships, work, or personal fulfillment?

Rebuilding after a disaster is tough, but your strengths are a powerful source of resilience. By recognizing and growing these qualities, you can better face challenges, support others, and contribute to the recovery.