A quick google search will tell you that weakness is "the state or condition of lacking strength," as defined by Oxford Dictionary. Notice it does not list any specific trait or quality. We'll come back to this.
Today, I engaged in a conversation with my co-worker about self-improvement. For this co-worker's privacy, they will remain anonymous and be referenced as Mikayla. Mikayla felt she was being reactive rather than proactive at work. Even if she had folders stacked from the floor to the ceiling, covering every square foot of her office, she would not hesitate to pause and help someone with an urgent matter. She enjoys helping those around her and is confident she can handle the workload. Mikalya immediately reacts, intending to serve rather than taking a moment to assess and control the situation around her. She believes if she is less reactive and more proactive, she will be more efficient in the workplace. She commended me for my ability to think critically (something to thank my mother for) and asked for suggestions on how to improve her weakness of reactivity.
Let's take a moment to look at some of the ways she was described in the previous paragraph. She is someone who serves and helps others out of genuine kindness. She is confident in herself and reacts quickly in urgent situations. I did not see weakness when she described her reactive flaw to me. I only saw personality traits and room for growth. Additionally, she is looking to add proactivity to her list of strengths.
Today, I engaged in a conversation with my co-worker about self-improvement. For this co-worker's privacy, they will remain anonymous and be referenced as Mikayla. Mikayla felt she was being reactive rather than proactive at work. Even if she had folders stacked from the floor to the ceiling, covering every square foot of her office, she would not hesitate to pause and help someone with an urgent matter. She enjoys helping those around her and is confident she can handle the workload. Mikalya immediately reacts, intending to serve rather than taking a moment to assess and control the situation around her. She believes if she is less reactive and more proactive, she will be more efficient in the workplace. She commended me for my ability to think critically (something to thank my mother for) and asked for suggestions on how to improve her weakness of reactivity.
Let's take a moment to look at some of the ways she was described in the previous paragraph. She is someone who serves and helps others out of genuine kindness. She is confident in herself and reacts quickly in urgent situations. I did not see weakness when she described her reactive flaw to me. I only saw personality traits and room for growth. Additionally, she is looking to add proactivity to her list of strengths.
Looking back at the definition of weakness, it appears weakness is only the lack of strength. No trait or quality is defined as a weakness. Anger is not a weakness, caring is not a weakness, and even weak is not part of the definition of weakness. With this being said, I recommended she re-evaluate her "weakness" and find ways to make it her strength. Weakness is a "state or condition" which can be temporary. Traits concerning weaknesses and strengths are fluid. This means all traits can be a weakness or strength based on how you use that trait. I recommended she work on her critical thinking skills and combine that with her reactive skills to create proactivity. She had never seen herself in this light before. She did not realize her weakness could be her strength.
An excellent example of turning your weakness into your strength can be found while comparing anxiety and excitement. I learned this trick during college in my public speaking class. Your body perceives anxiety and excitement as the same thing: adrenaline. To turn your weakness of anxiety into a strength of excitement, you must take a mental note of it. Tell yourself you're not anxious but excited. Your body is equal to the personality trait, your weakness is equal to anxiety, and your strength is equal to excitement. Your personality traits can be strengths or weaknesses based on how you use them. Do not settle for your weaknesses, for they are just undiscovered strengths.
Now, why am I writing all of this? My mother taught me to build ladders. We are useless if we do not help others around us thrive and climb their ladders of success. I've always been interested in process improvement, and it comes naturally to me. I see every situation in my life as an opportunity for process improvement. Of course, as I apply this to everyday life, it becomes personal improvement. My co-worker, as mentioned earlier, suggested I teach some of the things I've learned about critical thinking, leadership, and life. She found it very influential and optimistic, a compliment I will always hold close to my heart. Because of her, I decided to blog about it. However, because I know she is reading this, maybe one day, I'll turn it into a podcast like she originally wanted.
An excellent example of turning your weakness into your strength can be found while comparing anxiety and excitement. I learned this trick during college in my public speaking class. Your body perceives anxiety and excitement as the same thing: adrenaline. To turn your weakness of anxiety into a strength of excitement, you must take a mental note of it. Tell yourself you're not anxious but excited. Your body is equal to the personality trait, your weakness is equal to anxiety, and your strength is equal to excitement. Your personality traits can be strengths or weaknesses based on how you use them. Do not settle for your weaknesses, for they are just undiscovered strengths.
Now, why am I writing all of this? My mother taught me to build ladders. We are useless if we do not help others around us thrive and climb their ladders of success. I've always been interested in process improvement, and it comes naturally to me. I see every situation in my life as an opportunity for process improvement. Of course, as I apply this to everyday life, it becomes personal improvement. My co-worker, as mentioned earlier, suggested I teach some of the things I've learned about critical thinking, leadership, and life. She found it very influential and optimistic, a compliment I will always hold close to my heart. Because of her, I decided to blog about it. However, because I know she is reading this, maybe one day, I'll turn it into a podcast like she originally wanted.
Suppose you need a pick-me-up, some extra confidence, or advice on how to navigate difficult situations. In that case, I want this to be where you come for comfort and guidance. I do not know everything, and I will not claim that my advice is always the right option for you. However, I will share my experiences and thoughts with you, so you may learn from my mistakes or re-construct how you think of yourself. If I can help someone climb up even one step of their ladder, I will accomplish what I believe to be the purpose of life.
