Strengths Overused
Welcome Your Weaknesses
Like me, you probably have weaknesses you try to hide to maintain a better image to the world. But don't be so fast to bad-mouth those weaknesses--learn to welcome them instead.
Our so-called weaknesses have an upside--they are in fact the flip-side of our strengths.
Your weaknesses can be more effectively viewed as strengths overused. In other words, your strengths show up as weaknesses when you overuse them resulting in too much of a good thing.
By reveling in, and appreciating your weaknesses instead of being ashamed of them, you'll quickly discover the key to becoming your best self: learning to exercise control over your strengths, not hide your weaknesses.
It's a whole lot easier to gently pull back on
doing something you do well than it is to attempt to rid yourself of something
you see as bad.
The Dance of Life
Exercise Control over your Strengths
My son, Sean--an extrovert--has a great sense of humor that used to get him in trouble when he was in middle school. He would talk too much and joke around during class--and ultimately annoy his teachers who would note these weaknesses on his report card.
Back in middle school, I told Sean his lesson was to learn how to exercise control over his fabulous strengths--his gregarious and fun-loving nature--so he could wield them appropriately. By practicing control over his assets as he matured, he became more effective.
The upside of being able to engage others with a great sense of humor is these are personal assets that--when managed properly--can help you go far in life. As an adult, Sean has put those strengths to use in his work.
My son, Sean--an extrovert--has a great sense of humor that used to get him in trouble when he was in middle school. He would talk too much and joke around during class--and ultimately annoy his teachers who would note these weaknesses on his report card.
Back in middle school, I told Sean his lesson was to learn how to exercise control over his fabulous strengths--his gregarious and fun-loving nature--so he could wield them appropriately. By practicing control over his assets as he matured, he became more effective.
The upside of being able to engage others with a great sense of humor is these are personal assets that--when managed properly--can help you go far in life. As an adult, Sean has put those strengths to use in his work.
Dance Joyfully
Love Who You Are
Before you can change or improve upon yourself, you must accept and love the
person you are now--warts and all.
Change begins with a belief in yourself--and
that means learning to leave your critics at the door while you enjoy your
so-called weaknesses.
If and when you're ready to balance your nature, practice exercising control over your strengths. Begin by gently pulling back on what you do well instead of attempting to get rid of something you view as bad.
Get in Front and Make it Look Like a Parade
Make it Look Like a
Parade
'When you're being run out of town, get in front and make it look like a parade' has been my life mantra (always thought it was PT Barnum quote...but not sure). It gets at the heart of embracing one's weaknesses and showcasing them as strengths.
'When you're being run out of town, get in front and make it look like a parade' has been my life mantra (always thought it was PT Barnum quote...but not sure). It gets at the heart of embracing one's weaknesses and showcasing them as strengths.
Stop hiding yourself--put yourself out there for all to see. Parade those warts.
Don't be too quick to accept other's judgments on your imperfections. Within your imperfections lie great treasures worth parading in front of others. Learn to laugh at your foibles--and be ready to forgive yourself for your weaknesses.
For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.
