Running Head: Discovering and Understanding

Discovering and Understanding Self

David Richards
COMM122
14 February 2015
Sister Burk

Discovering and Understanding Self

One of the hardest things for me to do is analyze who I am. I know I am not unusual in
this respect, and my reader will therefore understand where I am coming from. I discovered that
it helps tremendously to have a lens as the authors of StrengthsQuest call it, through which you
certain aspects of life will stand out. I took the assessment test these same authors developed and
one of my theme talents was Ideation, which means, You are fascinated by ideas (Clifton et al,
2006, p. 51). Affirming my strength of Ideation has helped me understand why I communicate in
a certain way, and has helped me discover who I am, and what my mission in life could be.
Looking at myself, I have been surprised at how much Ideation affects my
communication. In general, people do not just say or do things for no reason, there are always
motives and objective in communication. Looking at myself, it was hard to figure out what some
of my objectives were until I took my strengths into account. In the book StrengthsQuest it says
people with this theme talent of Ideation believe that An idea is a connection (Clifton,
Anderson, & Schreiner, 2006, p. 51). That is what I see in myself, much of my communication is
to connect ideas. I love group statements, because of the time we have to gather, brainstorm, and
discuss ideas and discover connections. I have noticed in conversations with friends I often add
something that has an obscure connection (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 51) to what was said, but that
is not always the most elegant practice. Sometimes, after I make my enlightening point, the
conversation will stagnates and I have a hard time knowing how to start up the conversation
again, unless the other party keeps it going or presents a new idea. However, now that I see how
this strength affects my communication, I can improve on it.
In addition to conversation, Ideation has been a key player in my writing. I really do
derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to [me] (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 52). I have
to immediately share it with someone, or write it down, or both. That is one reason I started a
blog, to share my ideas. Often my objectives really are to take the subject and present it from a

Discovering and Understanding Self

strange but strangely enlightening angle (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 51). My blog is actually called
Dscovering. This drive to discover and share ideas has transformed me from all but loathing
English, literature, and communication in high school to loving it now!
Not only has Ideation helped me understand my communication, but also it has been
fundamental in helping me discover who I am. The most important aspect to me of ideation is as
StrengthsQuest says, An idea is a new perspective on a familiar challenge (Clifton et al, 2006,
p. 51), which means new ideas are really new ways of looking at specific reoccuring challenge.
The challenge I love to try new ideas on is the challenge of becoming like God. Thus, Ideation
has really been a blessing in helping me understand who I am. For example, the patriarchal
blessing exercise, even though I did not have my blessing with me, was one of the most spiritual
experiences. There was shared meaning between God and I. I saw the gifts He gave me as tools
for becoming like Him. Some these gifts are the ability to explain ideas in a simple manner, and
the ability and desire to work with people. The best ideas/inspiration that I receive always
enlighten my mind and heart a little more on the great task of becoming like God.
This enlightening through Ideation, has also impacted the vision of my mission. The
mission statement project we did in class is still taxing my strength of Ideation in trying to
discover what that mission could be. I figured it could have to do with teaching. One reason is
because in English class I made a connection. We were brainstorming (another feature of
Ideation I enjoy), during which I was watching the teacher, and I thought that maybe I would like
to be a teacher. I remember now that one of my favorite callings in church was Elders Quorum
instructor. I tried to make the class a discussion group, and people with Ideation like freethinking experiences such asdiscussion groups (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 52). The things I
mentioned about my gifts, like explaining things and working with people, play an important part
in this discovery of my mission. I am not sure if I will become a teacher, but I am pretty

Discovering and Understanding Self

confident my purpose in life will be along those lines.

It is my hope that this essay has been as strangely enlightening (Clifton et al, 2006, p.
51) for my reader as it has been for me. It has been a wonderful opportunity to explore my
communication, my own self, and my possible mission in life through the strength-colored
glasses (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 73) of Ideation. I am grateful for it. Now, as you and I continue
through our mortal experience, let us remember what the author Anais Nin said, We dont see
the things as they really are. We see them as we are (Clifton et al, 2006, p. 75). Through what
strengths do you see the world?