New Year, Sharper You: Forget Well-Rounded, Grow Your Edges
As the clock strikes midnight and the world shouts “Happy New Year,” the collective energy of reinvention fills the air. Resolutions are made, goals are set, and the chase for improvement begins. Often, these resolutions focus on becoming more “balanced” or “well-rounded”—learning a new skill here, fixing a perceived flaw there. But what if I told you striving for well-roundedness isn’t the best use of your energy?
Instead of trying to smooth out every rough edge, this New Year, I invite you to celebrate them. Forget being well-rounded—focus on sharpening your edges.
The Myth of Well-Roundedness
The idea of being well-rounded has been deeply ingrained in us. We’re told to diversify our skills, balance every aspect of our lives, and strive to be equally competent in all things. It’s an appealing idea, but it can steer us away from genuine fulfillment and growth.
Here’s why: striving to be well-rounded often comes at the expense of greatness. By trying to improve in areas where we’re average—or worse, areas where we struggle—we divert time and energy away from the things we’re naturally good at, the parts of us that truly make us, us.
Positive psychology research supports this. Studies show that focusing on strengths—what we’re already good at—leads to greater fulfillment, engagement, and success. Why? When we work in alignment with our natural talents, we’re more energized, motivated, and effective.
What Does It Mean to Grow Your Edges?
Your edges are your advantages, strengths, and gifts—the parts of you that stand out, even if they sometimes feel unpolished or unconventional. They’re what make you unique and give you the potential to excel. Growing your edges means doubling down on these areas, refining them, and finding ways to use them more effectively.
Walking through Barcelona, where I spend part of the year, I often think about Antoni Gaudí, the legendary architect whose work defines the city. Gaudí didn’t aspire to fit in or follow trends. Instead, he leaned into his unconventional vision and created designs that were bold, imaginative, and unmistakably his own. By staying true to his unique perspective, he stood out in a way that continues to inspire and awe the world today.
This doesn’t mean ignoring weaknesses entirely. It means acknowledging them without letting them dominate your self-improvement efforts. Weaknesses are best managed, not obsessed over. Meanwhile, strengths are where the real magic happens.
Reasons to Focus on Your Edges This Year
You’ll Make Bigger Gains:
When you focus on areas where you’re already strong, you build on a solid foundation. Research on strength-based development shows that investing in your gifts creates positive growth in your career, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
You’ll Feel More Fulfilled:
Working on your edges feels good. It’s where you’re most likely to experience flow—those moments when time seems to disappear, and you’re completely immersed in what you’re doing. Experiencing moments like these are key to thriving in all areas of life.
You’ll Stand Out for All the Right Reasons:
Like Gaudí’s creations, your edges are what make you unique. By leaning into the qualities that set you apart, you carve out a space that no one else can fill. The result? A life that is as original and extraordinary as you are.
How to Grow Your Edges in the New Year
1. Identify Your Edges
Start by reflecting on your strengths. What comes naturally to you? When do you feel most energized? Tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey can help you pinpoint your top strengths.
2. Invest in What Energizes You
Once you’ve identified your edges, prioritize activities and goals that align with them. For example, if creativity is your edge, set aside time for projects that let you innovate. If leadership is a strength, take on roles where you can inspire others.
3. Collaborate to Complement Weaknesses
Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to fix every flaw, lean on others whose strengths complement your weaknesses. This is the beauty of teamwork and relationships—you don’t have to do it all alone.
4. Stretch Your Strengths in New Ways
Edges grow sharper through use and challenge. Push yourself to apply your strengths in new contexts. For example, if communication is your edge, try public speaking or starting a blog.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Growing your edges isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about continuous refinement. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a win.
A New Perspective for the New Year
This year, let’s leave behind the pressure to be perfectly well-rounded. Instead, let’s embrace our sharp edges—our unique strengths—and the qualities that make us who we are. By focusing on what makes us exceptional, we not only grow ourselves but also inspire those around us.
Because here’s the truth: being well-rounded is dull. Your greatest potential lies in growing your edges. Just as Gaudí transformed architecture with his unique perspective, you can transform your life by celebrating what makes you stand out.
