What is your secret sauce?

Self-Assesment:

So, what really makes me different?  Well, my secret sauce is made up of 5 pure ingredients – elements of human capital that mix together to create a one-in-a-million combination.  Here’s the simple yet powerful recipe…

·       The base:  Ambition – I am always up for a challenge, and I love the feeling of accomplishing amazing things.  I set big goals and go after them (refer to the add-ins to see how I stay motivated in reaching my aspirations).  I also enjoy staying busy, and I hate being board… thus, I am always coming up with ambitious new projects and goals! 

·       Add ins:

o   Positivity – Overall, I am a very optimistic person who usually has a smile on her face.  I take pride in trying to enjoy every moment, and whatever I’m striving for, I look for joy in the process.  My philosophy is: if you’re going to do something, you might as well have fun!  Also, I always try to look at the bright side and learn from every situation.  For example, I split the beam and embarrassed myself on a back flip in front of thousands of gymnastics fans, but the first thing I said when I finished was, “well, my front tuck was good!”  Overall, I believe positivity is an important key to success 😊

o   Determination – I am not one to back down.  Coupled with hard work, I keep pushing until I’m satisfied.  It’s rare I give anything less than 100% effort in everything I do, whether that’s gymnastics, schoolwork, my food blog, cleaning the kitchen, barbell squats, giving advice, or painting a picture.

o   Energy – I’m quite the energetic girl.  Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been bouncing off the walls and flipping everywhere.  When I focus my energy, I can get a lot of things done and accomplish big things!

·       The spice:  Uniqueness – a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a sprinkle of ginger.  Just kidding, but pumpkin spice season is certainly on my mind!  Anyway, I am not afraid to be myself, and I go after my goals in my own quirky way.

Part 2: Interviews

Note: I spoke with people (who know me best) about my skill set, but I had them email me specific answers to receive fully fleshed out responses.

#1:

You definitely stand out from the crowd (in a good way). You always stay true to yourself and your moral values, and you know yourself so well. You always do what's best for you, instead of giving in to other’s opinions or ideas. No matter the situation, you can find the positives and let those drive you. You don't dwell on your mistakes, instead you always have a strong plan and goal to motivate you for the future! You are so admirable in an abundance of ways, from the confidence you have to your self-determination. You are an accountable and honest individual who one can count on for anything (especially a good hug;)). Additionally, you have a tremendous amount of passion for what you do, from gymnastics, to education, to being a good person and friend. If everyone were like you, this world would be a million times better.

#2:

Technical and creative excellence:  Leah strives for excellence in all areas of her life.  In her school, work, and sports Leah pays attention to every detail, plans ahead, is always ahead of schedule, and puts every ounce of her energy into what she is doing until it is done right and to her high standards.  Whether it is in a science or technology assignment, working on a creative photo or creative video, or in her precision of gymnastics she perfects her assignments and delivers to high standards.  It is rare to see someone so passionate about so many things that they do, and she is always working ahead of schedule and never procrastinates.

Teamwork: Not only does Leah strive for her own high standards but she strives to bring out the best in others.  With her teammates, classmates, and coworkers she always has a relentless positive attitude, works well with others, and is able to collaborate and never has a negative attitude.

Deliver results:  In any challenge Leah works, trains, learns what is needed to deliver.  In any role (Sports, School, Work) Leah never quits until the job is done or she has achieved the skill she has set her mind to.

Positive outlook:  Leah remains positive no matter the challenge and roadblocks and is one of the happiest people I know...always wearing a smile...and her positive attitude is infectious.

#3:

What makes you different – so, so many things! You are an extremely unique individual who is beyond fabulous in infinite ways.

Efficient: Your efficiency is off the charts. The amount of things you get done at any given time blows me away. School work, artwork, cooking, videos, projects, choreographing, editing music, the list goes on.

Endless energy: Anyone who knows you will know that you have an enormous amount of energy that you put to great use each and every day.

Productive: Again, you are so efficient and make sure you make the most of every moment.

Super motivated: Not only are you self-motivated, but you motivate those around you.

Creative: Your artistic talents are incredible and I’m so glad you share them with your one-of-a-kind cards, artwork, gorgeous lettering, adorable people drawings, designs, photography, etc. The list goes on and on.

Inspiring: You are talented and yet so humble. You always inspire me to do greater things and be a better person. Not to mention, there are so many young gymnasts back home at your club gym that really idolize you and your wonderful ways.

Photographer and videographer: You take such beautiful photos and put together great videos with smooth transitions, exciting views, and perfect sound effects.

Positive: You are the most positive person I know. Always look at the bright side and make things better.

Incredibly talented gymnast: Your dedication, hard work, and talent together make for a truly spectacular athlete. You are a star.

A work ethic that is incomparable: Your go to and can-do attitude is so extremely admirable and compliments your countless other qualities.

Dependable: We can always count on you to do what you say and say what you do. If something needs to get done, you will make sure it does.

Silly: We can always cou­­­­­nt on a good laugh with you and your great sense of humor.

#4:

1.  Energetic with a positive attitude and smile
2.  Goal oriented and disciplined
3.  Organized with her time
4.  Creative in many areas
   A.  Art
   B.  Creates board games
   C.  Photography and green screens movies
   D.  Halloween costumes (bowl of spaghetti, Christmas tree, etc)

#5:

The first thing that comes to my mind is Leah’s sparkle.  Very few people in this world possess this quality,  Leah was born with it.  Her sparkle shines in everything she does.  It shines when she talks to you, it shines when she walks in a room.  It shines when she performs and it shines in her work.

Time management - I have never met anyone that can manage time as well as Leah.  Throughout high school Leah was in the gym training 30-36 hours per week.  She not only excelled in the gym, she also took honors classes, managed school, gym, family, and fun hobbies.  She never missed a day of practice.  Leah managed it all and did it beautifully .  In fact, she graduated with honors.

Respect & Gratitude - Leah is always respectful to everyone.  She is kind and considerate.  She is also someone that knows the gifts she has been given and shows gratitude to those that have helped her.

Dependability - When Leah says she is going to do something she does it.  You can always depend on her to follow through any commitment.  

Quick! - Leah is smart.  She learns quickly and retains knowledge.  

Positive outlook - Leah can find the positive in any situation.  She looks for the good in people and brings positivity to those around her.

Constructive criticism - Leah is a gymnast.  She has spent the better part of her life in the gym. 

Gymnastics is a sport of many failures.  You fall off the beam and you get back up.  Leah is able to look at mistakes or failures and work hard to make corrections.  

Determined & Goal Oriented - I put both of these together because Leah is very goal driven.  She knows how to set long-term goals and then figure out short term goals to reach them.  She shows great determination in achieving her goals.

3) Reflect:

It makes me so happy that how I would like to be seen is actually how several people in my life see me.  I am usually a pretty confident person, and that probably came across in my self-evaluation (hopefully not in a conceited way). I pride myself on using my best characteristics to my advantage. As for the interviews, they made me feel great! My interviewees were all people I have spent a lot of time with throughout my life, so they know me pretty well, perhaps even better than I know myself. I am choosing to ignore the bias that comes from most of them loving me very much. 

Putting my own evaluation together with my interviews, my top five special characteristics seem to be: positive, efficient, dependable, energetic, and creative.