Whenever we make a new goal or are presented with a challenge, it would be really nice if our brains would start looking for the skills we have that will help us be successful.
But, quite frankly, our brain's are more concerned about bears than about goals.
The brain's number one job is looking out for threats.
It does this to help us keep from being eaten by bears.
Only, given most of us likely haven't run from bears in a while, the threats it's mostly concerned with are rejection, embarrassment, and other social threats.
Which means when a new goal or challenge presents itself, the first place our brains look for is the list of reasons we might fail, the risks involved, and why we would be better off not pursuing the goal in the first place.
Asking questions about strengths, and how to apply them to new goals, can help people keep from letting that part of the brain keep us from pursuing our potential.
When you're able to clarify the strengths you bring to the table and share them with someone else, the threat seeking part of your brain begins to regulate.
Then, as it worries less and less about being eaten by a bear, it begins to shift focus to the skills and abilities you have to achieve those goals.
Our brains may not automatically work in our favor, but with the right questions, we can teach it to run towards the goals and not away from the bears.