Using Your CliftonStrengths Can Minimize Deathbed Regrets

On a recent Called to Coach, we spoke with Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Doug Wilks.

Here is how Doug got started with CliftonStrengths in his own words: As a dominant Input and Maximizer, I read StrengthsFinder 2.0 years ago. I immediately began applying Tom Rath's insights in my own professional and personal life. To say it was a personal Rosetta Stone is an understatement. I began incorporating strengths-based training and development in various leadership roles for sales representatives, managers and sales teams at work. Strengths-focused coaching never failed to produce improved results. I'll never forget the response from a tenured sales representative years ago after my first "official" internal half-day workshop. She said, "That's the first time in my life I feel like anyone's ever gotten me …" Definitely fuel to my coaching fire!

Doug then goes through the five most often stated deathbed regrets and how knowing your CliftonStrengths can help you to not have the same regrets at the end of life. The five biggest regrets are: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself and not what others expected of me"; "I wish I hadn't worked so hard"; "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings"; "I wish I'd stayed in touch with my friends"; and "I wish I'd let myself be happier." Doug says if you live your life using your strengths every day you will live true to yourself and be happier, you will work smarter instead of longer, and you will find ways to use your unique strengths to gain more courage and find ways to relate to people that work for you.

To hear more about coaching strengths for organizations, individuals and coaches, please watch the full video or listen to the audio above.

Doug Wilks' Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Input, Maximizer, Individualization, Intellection and Connectedness.