Why You Need to SWOT Yourself

Listen up, my friend. It’s time to get real about your personal and professional growth. You’ve probably heard of SWOT analysis for businesses, but have you ever thought about SWOTing yourself? I promise it’ll be more impactful than scrolling through motivational quotes on Instagram.

What the SWOT is Going On?

First things first, let’s break down what SWOT actually means:

• Strengths: What makes you a badass?

• Weaknesses: Where do you need to level up?

• Opportunities: What doors are just waiting for you to kick them open?

• Threats: What’s lurking in the shadows, ready to trip you up?

Now, you might be thinking, “Ugh, another self-help exercise? Pass.” But I promise this isn’t your grandma’s SWOT analysis. We’re going to 50% Rule this baby and make it something you’ll actually want to do.

The 50% Rule: SWOT Edition

Here’s how I want you to think about filling out your SWOT analysis:

1. Strengths: Instead of just listing your skills, think about your superpowers. What makes you feel like a superhero at work or in life? Maybe you’re the office MacGyver, able to fix any problem with a paperclip and sheer willpower.

2. Weaknesses: Don’t just focus on what you suck at. Think about what you want to suck less at. Are you allergic to public speaking? Do you break out in hives when someone mentions “networking”? Embrace these quirks and figure out how to turn them into your secret weapons.

3. Opportunities: This isn’t just about job openings or market trends. What wild, crazy dreams have you been too scared to pursue? Maybe it’s time to start that llama farm you’ve always wanted or finally learn to juggle chainsaws (please don’t actually juggle chainsaws).

4. Threats: Instead of just listing external factors, think about your inner saboteur. What stories are you telling yourself that are holding you back? Are you letting your imposter syndrome run the show?

Why SWOT Yourself? 

Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I bother with all this self-reflection mumbo jumbo?” Well, let me hit you with some cold, hard facts:

1. You’ll gain superhuman self-awareness: Okay, maybe not superhuman, but you’ll definitely level up. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is like having a cheat code for life.

2. You’ll become a master of opportunity: When you know what you’re good at and what you want to improve, you’ll start seeing opportunities everywhere. It’s like putting on opportunity-tinted glasses.

3. You’ll build resilience: By identifying potential threats, you’re basically giving yourself a shield against life’s curveballs. You’ll be ready to dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dodge your way to success.

4. You’ll unlock your authentic self: This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming the best, most authentic version of yourself. It’s like finding the director’s cut of your life, with all the best scenes left in.

How to SWOT Like a Boss

Ready to dive in? Here’s your game plan:

1. Get comfy: Find a place where you can be your true self. Maybe that’s a coffee shop, your favorite armchair, or hanging upside down from a tree branch. 

2. Brain dump: Set a timer for 10 minutes and just write. Don’t censor yourself. Let your thoughts flow like a river of consciousness (or unconsciousness, we don’t judge).

3. Organize the chaos: Now, start sorting your thoughts into the SWOT categories. Remember, this is your SWOT, so if you want to rename “Weaknesses” to “Areas Where I’m Still a Work in Progress,” go for it!

4. Get a second opinion: Share your SWOT with a trusted friend or mentor. They might see superpowers in you that you’ve been too modest to claim.

5. Make it actionable: Don’t just let your SWOT gather dust. Use it to set goals, make plans, and take over the world (or at least your corner of it).

The Final SWOT

Remember, folks, this isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming perfectly you. So go forth and SWOT yourself silly. Embrace your strengths, high-five your weaknesses, seize those opportunities, and dropkick those threats.

And if anyone gives you a hard time about all this self-reflection, just tell them you’re not navel-gazing, you’re conducting a thorough investigation of your personal lint collection. It’s for science, after all.

Now, go forth and SWOT yourself! Your future self will thank you (and maybe send you a fruit basket, too).

Check out my latest book, "The 50% Rule" and read more about this an other great tips for learning how to compete in a league of your own.

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Erin Hatzikostas is an internationally recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. Learn more about her keynote speaking, workshops, and other authentic programs here.