How to Do a Personal SWOT Analysis

One question everyone asks themselves at one time or another is, "How do I get the most out of my life?"

Success rarely comes along by accident and you're most likely to progress in your life if you use your talents to their fullest extent. You'll also encounter fewer problems if you know what your weaknesses are and manage them so they don't negatively impact the work that you do.

One powerful tool you can use to maximize your potential is SWOT Analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It helps organizations to develop their strategies and identify what they should and shouldn't be doing. But did you know you can use this framework on a personal level too?

It can help you to spot opportunities that you didn't know existed and to identify problems that might negatively impact your career. So how do you go about identifying your strengths and weaknesses and analyzing the opportunities and threats that flow from them?

To perform a Personal SWOT Analysis, first, think about your strengths. What advantages do you have that others don't? What do other people say you do better than anyone else? What skills and experience do you have that make you unique? List as many of these as you can.

It can be hard to admit your weaknesses, but that's what this next stage is all about. To help, think about the tasks you tend to avoid because you don't feel confident, as well as any negative work habits you may have fallen into. For example, are you often late? Do you have a short temper? Or, do you find it hard to stay organized and meet deadlines?

Think as well about what other people see as your weaknesses. If possible, ask your colleagues or family members whether they'd agree with what you've listed as your weaknesses.

Now it's time to identify and write down your opportunities. Is there a way you could create an opportunity for yourself by taking advantage of one of your strengths or by eliminating one of your weaknesses?

Also, look at your organization. What future developments might there be that could open up new doors for you? Is there a particular need or demand in your company or industry that no one else is currently filling?

Next, you need to list the threats that might be standing in your way. What obstacles are you facing at work? What problems could your weaknesses cause if you don't address them? Do you need to be better qualified? Are any of your colleagues competing with you for projects or a promotion?

Finally, look at each of the four lists you've written and create an action plan. One that builds on your strengths, minimizes your weaknesses and will allow you to seize opportunities, and counteract threats. Make sure your plan clearly outlines the actions you'll need to take going forward.

Let's recap.

SWOT Analysis is one of the most popular tools organizations use to assess their market position and define their strategy, but it can also be a really useful tool for taking control of your own career. It enables you to learn more about your own strengths and weaknesses and use them to eliminate threats and take advantage of opportunities. So what are you waiting for? Carry out your own Personal SWOT Analysis today, and see what you discover about yourself. You never know, it might surprise you.

Now, read the article that accompanies this video, and learn more ways to uncover strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.