Tools For Self-Discovery

7.8 Resources and Next Steps

Self-discovery is only valuable if you act on it. Below is a curated list of online tools you can explore today. Some are free, others require payment, but all can provide insight worth far more than their cost.

Strengths and Talents

CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder 2.0) – gallup.com/cliftonstrengths (paid)
High5 Test – high5test.com (free)

Personality

16Personalities – 16personalities.com (free)
Big Five Test – truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test (free/paid options)
Enneagram – truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test (free/paid)

Career and Interests

O*NET Interest Profiler – mynextmove.org/explore/ip (free, U.S. Department of Labor)
CareerExplorer by Sokanu – careerexplorer.com (free/paid)
PathSource Career App – available on iOS/Android (free)

Life Purpose and Visioning

Ikigai Templates – available free via simple online diagrams or printables.
Designing Your Life Tools – designingyour.life (paid resources, but free worksheets circulate online).

Specialized Tools

DISC Personality Test – discprofile.com (official, paid) or free versions via 123test.com.
Motivational Maps – motivationalmaps.com (licensed practitioners).
Gallup Builder Profile 10 – gallup.com (paid).

Next Steps for You

Pick One Tool. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Start with the one that feels most relevant (strengths, personality, or career matching).
Reflect and Journal. Write down your reactions. Did the results ring true? What surprised you?
Talk It Over. Share insights with a mentor, parent, or trusted friend. Ask them if they see the same strengths in you.
Experiment. Take one small step. If you learned you’re a natural “helper,” try volunteering. If you scored high in “investigative,” shadow someone in research or analysis.
Revisit Over Time. Your perspective changes as you grow. Repeat some tools every few years.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Tools will not hand you your destiny. They will not give you a single, magic answer. But they will shine a light on patterns you may not have noticed — patterns of strength, interest, and motivation that can guide you forward.

The School of Hard Knocks can leave people feeling lost. But self-discovery tools are proof that nobody has to stumble blindly. With reflection, honesty, and courage, you can find work that is not only a paycheck, but a pathway to purpose.

Remember: every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around.

This is your chance. Start with one step. Take one test. Reflect one evening. Then keep going. The rest of your life is waiting.