Tom Rath explains that StrengthsFinder really began in 1998 when he, along with his team of scientists, explored what is right with people rather than what is wrong with them. In today's world, we tend to focus on weakness rather than strength, and that is wrong for many reasons. Rath decided to challenge that way of thinking. With the help of his team, Rath developed a "language" of thirty-four common talents and started the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment to aid people in finding their talents and, well, strengthening them.

From there, Rath developed five key themes of talent, which enabled people to see where their greatest talents were and thus, providing them with the opportunity to better utilize those skills. Even with the success of the StrengthFinder assessment, however, Rath knew there was more that he could do. People need to get more engaged with their everyday life, whether at home or at work. If you love what you do, your quality of life will improve. Do not just stand your life, enjoy it.