One of the key elements of feeling inspired about your work and enthusiastic at work is the ability to know and use your personal strengths on a daily basis. Sadly, most people either don’t know or don’t use their strengths at work. According to research done by the Gallup Organization, only 17% of people are able to put their strengths to work on a daily basis. What about you? How often do you use your strengths at work?

If you would like to explore more about the Strengths Revolution (coined by Donald Clifton and Marcus Buckingham), and learn what your strengths are, my favorite books are Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and StrengthsFinder2.0 by Tom Rath. Both books include a coupon to take a “Strengths Profile” that over 2 million people have taken on the Gallup website (be sure to check the book to make sure the coupon is there. My coupon was ripped out, which I didn’t discover until I got to my computer to enter it). What you’ll learn about yourself is more than worth

If you want a simple Strengths Theory explanation and easy reading to discover your strengths or help a teen discover theirs, definitely pick up The Truth About You: Your Secret to Success by Buckingham. Not only is it an engaging read, but you will also find yourself excited to answer his questions. Plus, it’s the kind of book you’ll go back to again and again for quick reminders on how to make the most of your day by being your best.

According to Buckingham, whom I had the great pleasure of meeting last year, here is the best advice you’ll ever get:

1. Performance is always the point so don’t expect your organization to know you like you do.
2. Your strengths aren’t what you are good at and your weaknesses are not what you are bad at so you better find out what your real strengths are.
3. When it comes to your job the “What” always trumps the “Why” and the “Who” so always ask, “What will I be paid to do?”
4. You will never find the perfect job so every week, for the rest of your life, write your Strong Week Plan.
5. You will never turn your weaknesses into strengths so fess up to your weaknesses and then neutralize them.

Take the time to identify your strengths and you’ll find yourself taking more inspired action and creating remarkable results at work and in every area of your life.