After 12 years together, my husband and I didn’t expect to learn much from pre-marital counseling—it felt more like a box to check than a real need. But working with Steve Gahagen and using the CliftonStrengths assessment changed everything.
We discovered that, even after all those years, we still had so much to learn about each other’s strengths. What I saw as his overly thorough research on every purchase or life decision turned out to be his Input and Analytical strengths in action. And those never-ending ‘honey-do’ lists? That was my Achiever strength coming through—always pushing to get things done.
Understanding each other’s strengths reframed the things that once annoyed us. It brought a new level of understanding, respect, and love for one another’s unique talents. We realized our strengths show up everywhere—at work, at play, and at home. Knowing who we are and how we naturally approach life and relationships has helped us build a stronger, more intentional life together. This successful experience inspired me to volunteer with Play to Your Strengths.
Our kids have had the privilege of participating in Play to Your Strengths. The program is designed to help youth harness their strengths, increase confidence, and build the leadership skills necessary for success. PTYS encourages personal growth by focusing on what each student does best, fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment.
One of the most impactful aspects of the program is how it encourages kids to recognize and celebrate their strengths. Rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses, PTYS encourages using strengths that we naturally excel at and teaches students how to use those abilities in life and leadership situations. I have seen firsthand how this approach helped my kids, and many others, grow in confidence and self-esteem. We even have our kids' strengths framed in our home as a constant reminder that we are all different and excel at various things. We can use our own individual strengths to make the world a better place. I am grateful that my kids had the opportunity at a very young age to recognize their strengths and further build their lives around the things they know they excel at. I am excited to see this program continue to benefit the kids of our community.
I got involved with Play to Your Strengths Minnesota team initially for a youth mentorship internship in 2020. I stayed on volunteering for the Tuesday evening CONNECT youth fellowship time because of my relationships with some of the teens! I also had a positive experience working with and volunteering with the PTYS staff & other volunteers. It was fun to chat about life with the students that I met when they were 15/16 and saw them all the way up until they were graduating from high school and deciding on their next steps. The StrenghtsFinder has also continued to be a positive tool in my personal and work life, as I’ve connected with those who have taken it, and I find myself drawing on those areas I have strengths in.
I got involved in Play To Your Strengths 5 years ago after meeting the founder, Steve Gahagen. I was drawn to the stories of kids whose lives were changed for the better after learning about their strengths and gaining the confidence that comes with that. Play To Your Strengths has such a strong desire to help kids thrive. My first introduction to one area of Play To Your Strengths was the Strengths Clubs they lead in schools. We started a Strengths Club in my community during Covid, which is now in its 5 year. Seeing firsthand, teenagers learn and hear positive things about themselves, begin to believe in themselves and then want to have a positive effect on their friends, family and school is so rewarding!
I’ve been part of this organization from the very beginning, and I’ve witnessed the powerful transformation that occurs when people have the opportunity to discover their value and purpose. Strengths-based conversations provide a natural entry point into these meaningful discussions. However, Play to Your Strengths offers more than just strengths discovery; it’s about helping individuals truly understand the power of their unique life story and its impact on the world around them.