Your weaknesses don't define you unless you let them...
Everybody has weaknesses, especially when learning something new, like running a business!
For everyone on Earth, the same is true: we’re great at some things, passable at some, and straight-up lousy at others. Unfortunately, many of us fall into the trap of believing we must be good at everything, but guess what?
You’re not.
The first step to managing your weaknesses is to accept that your weaknesses exist. Next is to prepare accordingly. If you know that your weakness is that you’re shy about confrontation, brainstorm a workaround.
Can you hire someone to help you confront people and have those difficult conversations? Can you learn just a few tricks and skills that make it easier for you to have those difficult conversations? Can you use one of your strengths to tamp down the situation to avoid confrontation altogether? For example, maybe you’re a great writer, and an honest and empathetic email might help solve the problem in another way.
It’s essential to identify your weaknesses so that you can prepare accordingly to manage situations that arise, but don’t let your weaknesses stifle your progress.
Love the problem; solve the puzzle.
Toyota’s management school refers to this tactic as “loving the problem” —when they find a weakness in production, they get excited by the prospect of improving and doing better. YOU can do the same.
Let’s take a weakness like time management. Say that you’ve always had difficulty meeting deadlines, you tend to forget important dates, and people who know you well expect you to attend any event at least ten minutes late.
How would you hack this problem?
Get a planner and set reminders on your phone to sit down with that planner at least once a day. If paper and pen aren’t your thing, utilize technology and program reminders into your phone, computer, or watch. Make a habit of writing down small tasks in your planner, crossing them off once you’ve completed them, and ensuring they are easy, doable, and enjoyable—this will make the habit-forming process even more accessible. Examples of these tasks might include “take a shower,” “get coffee with a friend,” or “take the dog for a walk.”
How will you hack your weakness and solve the puzzle?
"Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness." Unknown author...
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