Question of the week 36: Merit

Hi and welcome to this week’s question of the week! This week the word merit will be covered in the following question:

Which merits make you stand out?

The word merits stands for a person’s good qualities that make him or her attractive for a specific role. It is also an acknowledgement of that person’s capabilities. For instance, a person who is merited for being exceptionally good at mathematics would be more suitable and attractive for a number intensive role such as finance and accounting, engineering, or even information technology. A person who is merited for being courageous and brave would be an attractive candidate for police, fire brigade, or military roles. Of course a person does not have just one merit. Discovering what your merits are however is not that easy and takes some self-reflecting.

So how do you find out what your key merits are? Here are three ways of checking your own merits:

1. Since looking at oneself can be filled with bias, it is those close to you that may have a better view of who you are. Ask friends and family to see their positive aspects of you.

2. There is also the need to reflect upon oneself with feedback that comes from a more objective point of view. Ask your teachers, doctor, manager, or other person that reviews your performance about your key strengths. What these individuals say about your merits is also crucial as they act as references for potential employers or universities and lets them see your key qualities.

3. Whilst looking at oneself may present biases, it can also show what you have excelled at. Look at your own personal records, grades, trophies or awards, or any other written or visual indication that shows your strengths. Even by having just a high school degree can be seen as a powerful document as it is the school’s task of challenging your abilities. Thus achieving the final diploma shows your capability of learning something new. This counts for the same in university, and even during your career. So take pride in your achievements and let them show your merits.

In short: The term merit stands for a person’s key qualities. Thus, a person is merited for his or her abilities at doing a specific task or role. Three ways of exploring your own merits is to ask friends or family and teachers or bosses of your key attributes, and by looking at your own achievements through the years.

If you have any questions, doubts, or would like to contribute, then please do not hesitate to leave a comment!