How To Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

We all have shortcomings, flaws, and weaknesses--to deny this accepted truth is an exercise in arrogance.  Fortunately, with the sincere desire to become better and the proper mindset, everyone can learn how to transform those limitations into strengths. 

For example, when I started blogging a year ago,  I had no idea where to start.  My learning curve was steep at first, but now, I’m just getting the hang of everyday blogging, and the importance of promoting yourself.  I still have many weaknesses that I need to improve, but I’ve come a long ways from the first time I sat down to write a blog post. 

If you want to turn your weaknesses into strengths, a positive mental attitude is important.  You are your own worst critic-- it’s very easy to throw in the towel after telling yourself, “I can never achieve that.”  Here’s a short story to demonstrate how having the proper mindset can turn a weakness into a strength.

There was once a 10 year old boy who decided to learn judo.  Despite only having only his right arm, he worked hard to perfect one move, while becoming acquainted, but not skilled in other basic throws and techniques.  When the boy entered his first tournament, he was nervous at only being able to confidently use one throw.  To his surprise, he won every match with his one move, and won the tournament.  On the way home, the boy summoned the courage to ask his master, “How did I win the tournament with only one move?”  The master responded, “You won for two reasons. First, you’ve mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo.  Second, the only known defense for that movie is for your opponent to grab your left arm.   

So as you can see, it’s not necessary to go read thousands of self-help books or pay exorbitant fees to speak with a psychologist about your shortcomings.  Sometimes, all it takes it reformulating a situation so that something that would normally hold you back becomes an aid to your success.  There are probably exceptions, but not many.  Even if there are, it is beneficial to examine your weaknesses and see how you can use them to your advantage.     

Here are just a few examples.
Not a good writer.
Find different ways to express your ideas.  If you struggle with writing, become excellent at conversations.  Make videos and podcasts instead of written materials.
Not naturally smart in school.
Work your tail off instead.  While there is a correlation between giftedness and success, being smart by no means guarantees happiness.  More often than not, it’s the hardest working who succeed in this world. 
Not a fast worker.
Join the club.  I’m a slower writer than most, but I produce more high-quality content than most blogs out there.  One beautiful thing about blogging is that being thorough, deliberate, and methodical will attract a larger audience than if you just pump out poorly written posts with great frequency.

Now, viewing your weaknesses as strengths should not be seen as a substitute for working hard to better yourself.  The two should work in tandem to help you eliminate faults as well as build up your strengths.