Are Your Strengths Working Against You?

1
Thoughtfulness, generosity, and ambition can be real strengths. Under pressure, though, even helpful traits can become overextended.

Thoughtfulness can become overthinking. Generosity can become overgiving. Ambition can become overstriving.

The more useful question is not, “Do I have this trait?” But, rather: "Has this strength become so rigid, automatic, or costly that it works against me?"

This inventory is intended for self-reflection. It is not a diagnostic test. Think about how you typically function—not just how you have felt during an unusually stressful week. Then rate the 12 statements that follow.
2
I replay conversations and wonder whether I said or did something wrong.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
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Rarely
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Occasionally
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Often
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3
I spend a lot of time trying to make the “right” decision, even when several options would probably be acceptable.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
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Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
4
When something feels unresolved, my mind keeps returning to it even when thinking about it is no longer helping.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
5
Uncertainty feels uncomfortable, so I keep researching, checking, reviewing, planning, or seeking reassurance.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
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6
Overthinking score
7
I agree to things while already knowing I do not really have the time, energy, or desire to do them.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
8
Other people’s stress, disappointment, or unhappiness can quickly feel like something I am responsible for fixing.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
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Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
9
I give more than I genuinely want to give. Then, later feel resentful, depleted, or unappreciated.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
10
I feel guilty when I prioritize myself, rest, set a boundary, or disappoint someone.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
11
Overgiving Score
12
After I finish something successfully, satisfaction is brief before I focus on what is next.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
13
Rest feels considerably easier when I believe I have earned it.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
14
A mistake can feel like more than a mistake—it can feel like evidence that I should have done better.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
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Row 0, Column 1
Often
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15
I create urgency for myself even when there is no real emergency.* This field is required.
Rarely
Occasionally
Often
Almost always
➡️
Row 0, Column 0
Row 0, Column 1
Row 0, Column 2
Row 0, Column 3
➡️
Rarely
Row 0, Column 0
Occasionally
Row 0, Column 1
Often
Row 0, Column 2
Almost always
Row 0, Column 3
16
Overachieving Score
17
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