Lesson 2 - Happiness DNA DQ1 "Where Am I Exceptional?"
"Life Scene Investigation and this class uses DNA both as a scientific reality but also as a way to describe who you are. DNA is a code with defined elements called alleles. Those alleles are the differences which define your uniqueness. There are certain characteristics you possess that define your potential. We are born with certain things that cannot be changed. We are also our own history – Nurture. All those forces, experiences and people who influence our lives. We call this Nature and Nurture.
Definition “Exceptional” – forming an exception; not ordinary.
Having much more than average Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, ability, capacity or skill
The Substance of Happiness DNA is being Exceptional. It describes your Best Self.
How can you ever give the very best of who you are if you don't know what that is?
We all want to know we are Exceptional at something. It is not just professional athletes, movie stars, entertainers or CEO's but you. Everybody has their something.
Learning where to look and what to look for matters. We are going to define Exceptionality and explore it.
If you have taken the StrengthsFinder or VIA, your Exceptionality was seen highlighted. Those reports gave you your 5 top hard-wired talents/strengths as well as you top 5 Character or motivational strengths. You Exceptionality has already been identified.
Talent - The capacity to repeat exceptional actions
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Exceptional = unusual, uncommon, above normal, above typical, extraordinary, out of the ordinary, 51%+
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What have you done that is Exceptional?
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When you read the Talent definition, what specifically do you do that would be ranked in the top 25% of your peers?
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What awards have you won?
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What recognitions have you received for exceptional performance?
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Where do you received exceptional grades?
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Where have you been recognized by peers as behaving in an exceptional manner?
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Where have you seen exceptional actions or character today?
Think about the job interview question that was asked. “If I hire you, how will you make my company better?” If you were asked that question in an interview, how would you answer it? Don’t hesitate, answer!
You will thrive when you select a major and classes that fit into your Exceptional Zone. You will thrive when you discover a career that allows you to do what you are Exceptional every day. You will also be much happier.
That is why Talent is Happiness DNA. When we get to use and give what we are Exceptional at:
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We feel alive
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We are seen and stand out
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We effect lives for good
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We help others and teams be better and succeed
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We are promoted, hired, pass classes, change lives
Companies want to hire Exceptional people. If you do not have an Exceptional Talent that a company needs to grow, thrive and make a profit, why would they want to hire you?
To become a leader in your job and career choice demands you know what your Exceptional capacities are. You must own them. You are responsible to develop them. You have to choose to give them to build the lives of others.
Lastly, always be grateful for each Exceptional Talent you have been given. Every Talent is a Gift! Who is not happy when they discover they have an amazing gift!
Integration Exercises
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What is your definition of Exceptional?
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What have you done that is Exceptional physically?
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Where have you been Exceptional in school or college?
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What have you done that has demonstrated Exceptional character?
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When you think about your answers to the last three questions, describe your emotions and how you felt as you remembered them.
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If you have ever won a prize, promotion or great grade, how did you feel?
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Does being someone who stands out or is seen by others as doing something Exceptional matter to you and your sense of Happiness?
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Think to an example of where you made a difference in someone's life. and used a Talent. How did that make you feel? Describe the feeling.