I've always been drawn to understanding how I'm built—mentally, emotionally, physically. How my personality works, where my strengths and limits lie, and what's behind them. It helps me build self-awareness—which, in turn, helps me make better decisions, both in life and at work.

There are many ways and tools to get to know yourself better. One of them is personality tests. They’re not perfect, of course, but I treat them more as a starting point—and a way to satisfy my curiosity.

One of the first tests I ever took was the CliftonStrengths by Gallup. I did it 3 years ago, but never really did much with the results. This year, I decided to take it again. I had a sense that something in me had shifted.

Turns out, I was right. The second round confirmed my gut feeling. Here’s what my current top 5 strengths look like:

### 5. Relator (previously 4)

Relator is all about building deep, genuine relationships. Not into small talk—more into trust, closeness, and conversations that actually matter.

This one hasn’t really changed, and I still resonate with it deeply. I value relationships where I can just be myself—no masks, no roles to play. I’ve always preferred a close circle of trusted people over being known in a wide network. I like spending time with people I share something with: interests, values, a way of seeing the world.

On the flip side, it sometimes makes it harder for me to form new connections—I need time to feel at ease, and that can close me off to the unfamiliar.

### 4. Maximizer (previously 11)

3 years ago, this one was all the way down at number 11. Now it’s in the top 5—and it really reflects a shift that’s happened in me. More and more, I consciously choose quality over quantity—not just in projects or relationships, but in everyday decisions too.

Maximizer is about striving for quality. It sees potential and wants to take things to the next level—even when they’re already pretty good. In the long run, that drive can be a real strength. But it also has a shadow side: perfectionism. Sometimes, I find it hard to let things go.

### 3. Learner (previously 10)

Learner is all about the process of learning—not necessarily for a specific outcome, but for the joy of discovering, understanding, and growing.

Another big climber on the list. Curiosity is one of the traits I value most in myself—and it comes in handy in design work too. I like to explore and dive deep into new topics. Following the beaten path doesn’t do it for me, and I’m not interested in boxing myself into one specialty. It works best when I get to choose the direction myself—rather than having it handed to me.

### 2. Individualization (previously 1)

Individualization is about noticing the differences between people—and responding to them consciously. Instead of chasing one-size-fits-all solutions, this talent zeroes in on what’s specific, individual, and unique.

Looks like this one’s deeply rooted in me. I naturally tune into what makes people different—the way they work, their pace, sensitivity, thought patterns. I get that not everyone has the same needs, and what works for one person might not work at all for another. I’ve never had the chance to fully put this talent to use—like in leading a team—but at least I tend to nail the gift-giving part.

### 1. Intellection (previously 5)

No surprise here—Intellection moved from 5th to first place. It's the kind of thinking that thrives in quiet and inner work. Analyzing, connecting dots, searching for meaning before saying or doing anything.

I spend a lot of time alone with my thoughts. That comes with upsides and downsides. Usually, when I act on something, I’ve thought it through. But overthinking can get destructive—when I go too far, it drains the energy, time, and lightness I need to actually get things done.

Beyond the top 5, it’s also worth looking at the biggest shifts over the years:

### Responsibility (2 -> 11)

This talent is tied to a strong sense of duty—if you say “yes,” it’s as binding as a contract.

I’m not surprised it dropped. I wouldn’t call it one of my core strengths anymore, even if it might’ve looked like that in the past. I do break promises sometimes—especially the ones I make to myself. Over time, I’ve learned to be more flexible. It gives me more freedom and less pressure—and honestly, I think I’m better off because of it.

### Input (21 -> 9)

This one’s the collector talent—of knowledge, tools, links, books, facts. Basically, anything that might come in handy someday.

Even though I see myself as a minimalist—and could probably pack my whole material life into two suitcases—my digital world tells a different story. My digital garden holds around 1500 notes and keeps growing. On top of that, I’ve got over a 1000 bookmarks: links to ideas, tools, and valuable sources. From that angle, I wouldn’t be surprised if this talent climbed even higher.

### Significance (8 -> 32)

Significance is about the need for impact, visibility, recognition. People with this talent want to do meaningful work—something that gets noticed and appreciated.

Dropping from eighth to thirty-second is the biggest shift in my whole profile. And honestly? I’m good with that. I feel less and less need for external validation, and I’m less driven by the idea of making an “impression.” What matters more now is whether something feels meaningful—even if I’m the only one who sees it.

This second round of the Gallup test was interesting mostly because it confirmed things I’d been sensing for a while—that some talents have grown stronger, others faded, something in me has shifted.

The test didn’t really surprise me—but it helped put words to changes that were hard to name. It gave me a reason to pause, reflect, and explore how these talents actually work—and how I can use them more intentionally.

Why share my strengths publicly? First—because it helps me. Writing about them lets me dig deeper and see them in a broader context. Second—for anyone considering working with me. It might offer a better sense of how I think, communicate, and show up. And third—for you. Maybe it’s a nudge to do the same. I really believe that understanding our strengths—and those of others—makes communication and collaboration easier. (If you end up writing something about your own, let me know!)