We all wish to be perfect in every way, but the reality is that we shall always have an aspect or attribute which can do with some improvement. That is why we are advised to do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis periodically so that we can act based on the findings collected. A number of strategies exist which can help you to turn your weakness into strength. Read on and discover some of the easiest ones to implement.
Identify and Acknowledge Those Weaknesses
You cannot hit a target that you don’t see. The first step in turning a weakness into strength, therefore, involves taking the time to identify and then acknowledge those weaknesses. For example, you don’t stand any chance of dealing with your short temper if you are adamant that you aren’t short-tempered.
Accepting that a problem exists is a major step towards solving that problem. So, what are your weaknesses? Get feedback from a trusted family member or friend if you would like to know what your weaknesses are. In case you didn’t know, you cannot see the picture if you are in the frame!
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Change Your Perspective Towards the Weakness
Have you heard the story of the blind men who touched different parts of an elephant and formed divergent opinions of what an elephant is? It is all a matter of perspective!
Look at what you consider to be weaknesses from another angle. You will be surprised to learn that what you may be seeing as a weakness is actually a strength. For example, your shyness can become a strength when you look at it as an attribute that enables you to be less impulsive (and therefore less prone to say something that you will regret). Similarly, what someone calls “disorganization” in you can actually be creativity!
In short, look for the good in that attribute which you initially see as a weakness. When life gives you lemons, put your lemonade-making skills to use. In the same way, when you are handed a weakness, convert it into a strength!
Write Your To-Do List
Truth be told, some weaknesses cannot serve us however much we may want to look for the strength hidden in them. In such a case, we need to be humble and accept that we’ve got to change for the better.
That is what is called a “growth mindset” as opposed to a “fixed mindset.” A growth mindset tunes us to look for opportunities to grow, and that is how we can eventually reach our full potential.
For that reason, you should tackle your weaknesses in the same way that you deal with your to-do list. List all your weaknesses and get to work on one at a time.
Every improvement that you make will move you along the continuum from weakness towards strength. Over time, most of your weaknesses will be converted into strengths!
Take Preparation to Another Level
Another strategy that you can use to convert your weakness into a strength is spending more time during preparation. For example, if you realize that you aren’t good at making presentations, spend more time doing mock presentations so that by the time you have to “go live” then the practice you have had will result in a stellar (or at least acceptable) performance.
Another example to drive this point home; think about Thomas Edison who invented the light bulb. It is widely believed that he didn’t succeed at the first attempt. In fact, he failed 999 times before he finally succeeded at the 1,000th attempt! In his own words, Edison says he learned 999 ways through which one shouldn’t attempt to make a light bulb. In short, he spent a lot of time preparing before hitting gold.
Hire Skilled People
Another option which you can try if you want to convert your weakness into a strength is by hiring someone who excels in that area where you are weak.
This option is especially useful if you are an entrepreneur or hold a leadership position. Maturity entails accepting that you aren’t good at everything, and getting help is only natural in such a case.
The expert will shield you from making a costly mistake due to your limitation in that area. Additionally, you may learn a few things if you shadow the expert while they are doing their thing. Those tidbits you pick here and there will eventually increase your competence to such a level that your abilities will be just good enough to keep you afloat. Remember, monkey see, monkey do. Having an expert on your team may be just what you need to transform your weakness into a strength.
Resolve to Help Others
It has been said that the best way to learn is by teaching. Do you ever remember marveling at how your professors or teachers in college or high school were so knowledgeable about very many things?
Those teachers got to have so much knowledge because they had a duty to teach their learners. You cannot give what you don’t have, so the teachers ensured that they were knowledgeable in order to guide their learners towards mastering the different subjects.
In the same way, you can make a conscious decision to help other people who have the same weakness as you do. As you take steps to help others, you will search for ways around the difficulties that you face.
As you team up to help one another, you will benefit from interacting with the people you want to help because some of them may have techniques or methods that you hadn’t thought about or tried. As a group, it will be easier for you to find ways to turn your collective weakness into strength.
As you can see, you don’t have to be miserable once you discover that you have a certain set of weaknesses. We, as humans, are adaptable, so you can try using the strategies suggested above to turn your weakness into a strength. If you are unable to do it on your own, get help from an expert, such as a coach or a mentor. Remember to enjoy the journey to your transformation!
To Your Success,
Jairek Robbins + Team PCU
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