I recently attended a mini-conference the other weekend, Author System Alignment and Strengths with Becca Syme. It was an interesting conference and got me thinking about the reasons I do certain things as well as question some writing rules.

Becca is the creator of the Better-Faster Academy and uses the Gallup CliftonStrengths to help authors discover why they do things a certain way and improve their writing. She also has a youtube channel that has a lot of great information about how those strengths apply to writers and other thought-provoking advice.

I had actually taken the CliftonStrengths ages ago in college, but I never did anything with my results. When I took them for the conference, I got basically the same strengths, and the strengths definitely describe me. My two tests show how accurate their system is, and hearing Becca describe how they impact writers was illuminating.

My number one strength is Input, which explains my need to “fill the well” by reading tons of books and watching movies or TV. Taking this course made me realize this tendency isn’t just procrastination but is something I must do to function. That’s a freeing realization.

My second strength is Deliberative (no video from Becca yet.) This explains why I thoroughly research and consider each of my decisions before I make them. It also probably explains why I’m a slower writer—I always need to pick just the right word. 🙂

My third strength is Learner, which ties into Input. I have always loved learning (yes, I was one of those odd children who loved school), and I have noticed in the COVID-19 era with all the online courses available, taking these classes helps keep me focused.

My other top strengths are Analytical and Achiever. (When I took the test in college, I got Focus rather than Achiever, but they are similar.) These traits resonate with me as well. I love analyzing all the data I collect, and I am goal oriented and love lists.

One of the key things Becca stresses is that all writers are different and blindly accepting other methods won’t always work for you. Understanding and improving your strengths is how you can achieve success.

So take some time to check her website and watch her videos. They are fascinating!