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Attack Your Limitations: Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

“Our strength grows out of our weaknesses.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something that has always intimidated me from starting something new has always been a deep worry about my shortcomings. I know that I have weaknesses, and I’m afraid they’ll lead to my failure.

I’ve learned in recent years, however, that those weaknesses can be turned into strengths with a very simple tool: the right mindset.

I’m not talking just about the power of positive thinking (which I think is a great tool for anything) but about figuring out ways in which weaknesses can actually be strengths. If you develop the mindset that weaknesses aren’t really weaknesses, you’ve just broken through your limitations and fears.

For example, for the longest time I was no good at sustaining something for very long, at achieving any kind of long-term success. I was good at short-term projects, but I couldn’t keep anything going for long. So I found two ways to make this work in my favor:

I became the master of the quick turnaround. Someone needs a job done? I’ll do it in a day or two. Any job that takes longer than that is broken down into smaller jobs — and I take them on one at a time, rather than as a group of intimidating and overwhelming projects. I can do amazing work in short bursts — and that’s an awesome strength.
I learned to focus on baby steps. For some goals, you need to sustain something for a long time — running a marathon is a good example. But if I focused on one step at a time, and made each step a major success, I could achieve a lot over time with little baby steps. Instead of worrying about an entire marathon training program (usually takes 3-4 months), I focus on one day at a time, or one week at the most. And I celebrate my successes as though I completed the entire program.

Weaknesses as a Writer

A fear of not having mastered the novel form of writing also stopped me from trying to make it as a writer with a larger audience. I didn’t have experience in the larger world of journalism either (I’ve only written for small newspapers and magazines), so I never tried to make it with larger publications. For the longest time, these weaknesses held me back as a writer — I didn’t know how to write a novel and I don’t have a lot of big-time experience.

But then I discovered blogging, and suddenly my weaknesses were strengths: I could write blog posts about topics I knew about, in an honest way, rather than taking on the novel (which I will master someday). And my lack of experience actually helps — I’m just a regular guy going through things like everyone else, learning as I go — and my experiences as a learner help others learn as well. My weaknesses are strengths.

Weaknesses as a Blogger

While blogging was a good way to work on my strengths, there was also the weakness that I didn’t have a recognized name (when I started out), I had no readers (as compared to established blogs with big audiences), and no resources.

Those weaknesses were actually strengths, I realized.

Not having a recognized name meant I could re-invent myself into whatever I wanted. No one knew me as a small-town writer with no experience in productivity, organization, health, fitness, or other fields. I became Leo Babauta, a blogger on these topics (and some I knew a lot about — parenting and simplicity, for example) with a brand name I made up — Zen Habits. It worked, because the more I got my name out there, the more people associated me with this re-invented self. And it wasn’t a false self — it was something I became, based on my true self.

Not having an audience was also liberating — bloggers with audiences have expectations to meet. I could do anything I wanted. I could experiment with new styles, write heartfelt posts, write as frequently or as little as I wanted, become a copycat and imitate better bloggers, write controversial stuff, anything. I figured out what worked for me, what I liked writing, what other people liked.

Not having resources also became a strength: I would have to be creative. And creativity is a beautiful thing — much better than having a lot of money and staff. I was more personal than blogs in major networks or corporate blogs. I developed friendships with other bloggers. I wrote my butt off to do guest posts and freelancing for other blogs to get myself out there. I was lean and mean and having a lot of fun.

What Weaknesses Are Holding You Back?

What do you think your weaknesses are? Are they keeping you from starting something new, from pursuing a dream?

Sometimes we have fears about our weaknesses without realizing it. Take a minute to think about what you’ve always wanted to do, or what you’re doing now. What are your fears? What do you perceive to be your weaknesses? What are your limitations, and what’s holding you back?

Take assessment, and then read on to change your mindset about these weaknesses.

Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

I won’t be able to do an exhaustive list of weaknesses, but the main thing to learn is to have the mindset where your weaknesses can ALL be turned into strengths. There might be exceptions, but I haven’t thought of one yet. Even if there are, it is extremely useful to always look at your weaknesses and see how you can use them to your advantage.

First step: examine your weaknesses.

Second step: figure out your strengths.

Third step: figure out how to move your weaknesses into the strengths column.

Here are just a few examples … again, I can’t list all of them and the main idea is to figure them out yourself. The more you practice this mindset, the better you’ll get at it.

Not a good public speaker. Be an intimate communicator instead. If you aren’t good at talking to large crowds, talk to small groups or communicate one-on-one instead — and learn to be really good at that. Talk in ways that connect intimately with people, that draw them to you. Learn effective small-group communication and one-on-one skills.
Not a good writer. Be a people person instead. If you can’t write a great proposal, make it in person. If you can’t write a great report, do a presentation. If you can’t write a great blog, do a video blog or podcast.
Don’t have a lot of money to start a business. Be lean and creative instead. Small is actually an advantage in business. You can develop products without bureaucracy, witha quick turnaround, without too much planning or meetings. You can market using guerilla tactics. You are faster and more nimble than a larger competitor. You can adapt faster.
You aren’t fast. So be deliberate. Be more thorough. Be more thoughtful. Work on important stuff instead of cranking out a lot of stuff.
Don’t have large blog audience. So be more intimate and build stronger bonds with the small audience you have. Turn them into your biggest advocates, and really get to know every new reader. Have fun with your small audience in a way a bigger blogger can’t.
Not a people person. So work on brilliant stuff alone. Find your niche and make amazing stuff with the talents you have. Find people who are people persons to promote your stuff for you.
Not organized. Simplify things so you don’t need to organize (if you only have a few things, you don’t need to organize them). Be a creative genius instead of a diligent organized person.
Not good with tech. Go low-tech. Work with paper or simple text files. This will allow you to concentrate more on your work rather than always being online, always trying out the latest tech stuff, always learning new coding methods or whatever. Let others figure out technology for you.
Don’t have enough time. Great! So take what limited time you have and use it to maximal effect. Limitations are good — they force us to choose, and in doing so, they force us to choose what’s most essential. That increases our effectiveness. Choose only the task that will have the most impact.

You get the idea! Now get started on turning your weaknesses into strengths — start right now.

What are your weaknesses and how can they be turned into strengths? Share in the comments!

Attack Your Limitations: Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

“Our strength grows out of our weaknesses.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something that has always intimidated me from starting something new has always been a deep worry about my shortcomings. I know that I have weaknesses, and I’m afraid they’ll lead to my failure.

I’ve learned in recent years, however, that those weaknesses can be turned into strengths with a very simple tool: the right mindset.

I became the master of the quick turnaround. Someone needs a job done? I’ll do it in a day or two. Any job that takes longer than that is broken down into smaller jobs — and I take them on one at a time, rather than as a group of intimidating and overwhelming projects. I can do amazing work in short bursts — and that’s an awesome strength.
I learned to focus on baby steps. For some goals, you need to sustain something for a long time — running a marathon is a good example. But if I focused on one step at a time, and made each step a major success, I could achieve a lot over time with little baby steps. Instead of worrying about an entire marathon training program (usually takes 3-4 months), I focus on one day at a time, or one week at the most. And I celebrate my successes as though I completed the entire program.

Weaknesses as a Writer

Weaknesses as a Blogger

Those weaknesses were actually strengths, I realized.

What Weaknesses Are Holding You Back?

What do you think your weaknesses are? Are they keeping you from starting something new, from pursuing a dream?

Take assessment, and then read on to change your mindset about these weaknesses.

Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

First step: examine your weaknesses.

Second step: figure out your strengths.

Third step: figure out how to move your weaknesses into the strengths column.

Here are just a few examples … again, I can’t list all of them and the main idea is to figure them out yourself. The more you practice this mindset, the better you’ll get at it.

Not a good public speaker. Be an intimate communicator instead. If you aren’t good at talking to large crowds, talk to small groups or communicate one-on-one instead — and learn to be really good at that. Talk in ways that connect intimately with people, that draw them to you. Learn effective small-group communication and one-on-one skills.
Not a good writer. Be a people person instead. If you can’t write a great proposal, make it in person. If you can’t write a great report, do a presentation. If you can’t write a great blog, do a video blog or podcast.
Don’t have a lot of money to start a business. Be lean and creative instead. Small is actually an advantage in business. You can develop products without bureaucracy, witha quick turnaround, without too much planning or meetings. You can market using guerilla tactics. You are faster and more nimble than a larger competitor. You can adapt faster.
You aren’t fast. So be deliberate. Be more thorough. Be more thoughtful. Work on important stuff instead of cranking out a lot of stuff.
Don’t have large blog audience. So be more intimate and build stronger bonds with the small audience you have. Turn them into your biggest advocates, and really get to know every new reader. Have fun with your small audience in a way a bigger blogger can’t.
Not a people person. So work on brilliant stuff alone. Find your niche and make amazing stuff with the talents you have. Find people who are people persons to promote your stuff for you.
Not organized. Simplify things so you don’t need to organize (if you only have a few things, you don’t need to organize them). Be a creative genius instead of a diligent organized person.
Not good with tech. Go low-tech. Work with paper or simple text files. This will allow you to concentrate more on your work rather than always being online, always trying out the latest tech stuff, always learning new coding methods or whatever. Let others figure out technology for you.
Don’t have enough time. Great! So take what limited time you have and use it to maximal effect. Limitations are good — they force us to choose, and in doing so, they force us to choose what’s most essential. That increases our effectiveness. Choose only the task that will have the most impact.

You get the idea! Now get started on turning your weaknesses into strengths — start right now.

What are your weaknesses and how can they be turned into strengths? Share in the comments!

Posted on 25 September 2008 in Goals, Happiness, Motivation |
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Comments (84)

"Motivate Thyself" Says:

September 25th, 2008, 22:17 pm

@Leo: “…for the longest time I was no good at sustaining something for very long, at achieving any kind of long-term success.”

I’m riddled with ADHD! :-) My whole life I’ve struggled with long term anything. If it wasn’t right now I couldn’t get excited about it and therefore wouldn’t pursue it.

The two things that have made the biggest difference are:

-Running my own business and having to keep it up or not pay the bills. This has forced me to ’stick with’ something.

-Cut down my sugar intake. Interestingly enough this has made a huge impact on my life. I found that if I had too much sugar I would get overly stimulated and not be able to focus for long periods of time. Now, with out all of that extra stimulation, I have much better focus and long term reach.

Glad you could share your experiences and thanks for the great advice!

Leo Says:

September 25th, 2008, 22:22 pm

Thanks Eric. I’ve found that blogging is perfect for me — I just have to write one post and then I’m done. Of course, tomorrow I have to do the same, but I don’t worry about that. Blogging success is a bunch of short-term successes, all strung together.

Writing an actual book was tougher, and I tended to procrastinate on it. But working in bursts helped me achieve that longer-term goal.

Sid Savara Says:

September 25th, 2008, 22:25 pm

@Eric Totally agree about the sugar intake

Interesting take on not having an audience but it’s true - you start gaining followers, and people start worrying - should I post this? Is this too controversial? Is this too sappy?

I write for myself as well, and I’ve found my most honest posts are also the ones that resonate best with readers.

Vered - MomGrind Says:

September 25th, 2008, 22:40 pm

“Not having an audience was also liberating — bloggers with audiences have expectations to meet.”

This is so true.

My audience is not huge, but it’s big enough that I do worry about meeting expectations.

It takes some of the fun away.

Avani-Mehta Says:

September 25th, 2008, 22:47 pm

Whenever you find yourself stuck up thinking - I can’t do this, I am not good at this; Ask yourself immediately - Ok then, what am I good at, and you will find your strength to work upon.

Success Professor Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:09 pm

Leo,

Thanks for your post, it is great to hear your story and your openness about your weaknesses.

I’ve always been convinced that my weakness has been “I don’t have enough time”. Eventually I made a decision that I wasn’t going to use that as an excuse.

The strength that came with my perceived weakness was that I was very well connected, and that I had plenty of leadership experience. I was able to use these strengths to leverage my time and make it more valuable.

CJ Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:26 pm

Can you suggest the potential strength for someone who wants to write but finds it too lonely - and just misses being around people??

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:29 pm

I’m a big believer in taking the lemons in life and turning them into lemonade.

I was never good at sports in school and I felt rejected and less-than everyone else because of it. But not playing sports led me to other great things like learning my way around computers (my current career) and joining the band and learning that I was VERY good with music (my other career)!

Cheers to another great, uplifting post Leo!

prin Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:34 pm

hope you don’t mind but I’m going to repost this over on my blog since it was like the preacher preaching to the choir, it hit me where I live right now. i went back to school at 49, finished my degree, took five years but got my degree, passed my licensure test and for a month now i’ve been afraid of going out to look for a job. so thanks for this, i believe now i will take your suggestions to heart and try to concentrate on my strengths. thanks again.

Avi Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:50 pm

How about procrastination? Can’t turn that into a strength.

Rachel Says:

September 25th, 2008, 23:58 pm

Thanks. This was a helpful post. I’m very aware that my weakness is my mental toughness when it comes to racing/running. Working very hard to change this. Next week I will run my 4th marathon and I will be thinking, “I can do it” I deserve to be here. One mile at a time.

Daniel Richard Says:

September 26th, 2008, 0:23 am

Heya Leo,

Speaking of weakness as a writer, I used to have the thought that being a writer requires a person to be able to write half a thousand pages of novels. Until blogging totally liberated my mind and got to realize that writing can be fun and easy by doing the stuffs that we already know and enjoy creating.

Starting out from zero is also a cool thing. I like to see through growing stages of any startup that I had been in. Changes too can be made almost without much time wasting. And there’s always a huge sense of achievement when results are seen in areas that I’ve never had any experience in before. :)

Even my style of writing emails isn’t particularly formal, but I’ve made it a must to be authentic and give others the true picture of me - and it always works!

Yeps! Let’s attack our limitations, weaknesses, and convert them into our strengths. You are right on in this post dude.

Daniel

Lisa | LittleRoom Says:

September 26th, 2008, 0:45 am

This is very smart advice, Leo! Gifts are often cleverly disguised as weaknesses.

When I started out, I spent way too much time and energy trying to ‘fix’ my weaknesses (and there were - are - plenty!). It took a long time to realise that I could work with my quirks, not against them. I’m now on my second business and get to be myself for a living instead of trying to be someone I’m not. It’s better for me and it’s way better for my clients.

Sometimes, putting a lot of effort into fixing your weaknesses just makes you a watered-down version of yourself. Far better to let the best of you shine through.

Thank you, Leo, for doing what you do.

Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:

September 26th, 2008, 1:04 am

Great post Leo,

I think there is a self-discovery process that comes from defining yourself to others through a blog. Writing constantly means you must sort through and analyze your ideas before you can clearly articulate them to your readers. Their feedback prompts you to examine your own beliefs through their eyes and evaluate yourself further.

It’s a unique kind of growing experience even when compared to other forms of interaction and communication. I value it highly.

J.D. Meier Says:

September 26th, 2008, 1:12 am

Really good post. It seems like you were in the zone when you wrote it. I like the crispness and clarity of your prescription for turning weaknesses into strengths. And you’re right … it is about mindset (plus massive action).

Blue Says:

September 26th, 2008, 2:27 am

Speaking as a freelancer who’s managing depression (not very well), this was such an encouraging post it put tears in my eyes. It’s easy to feel like a failure when you’re unable to blitz your usual long-term projects anymore for mental health reasons (and maybe won’t ever be able to again).

I’ve already been forced to take on strictly short-term projects, but now I have a more positive outlook on it, and am going to be seeing how I can make my weakness a strength.

Usman Says:

September 26th, 2008, 2:43 am

Thanks for such an ecouraging post. It is always good to know that others are or have experienced what one is going through - and many have come out on top.

zs Says:

September 26th, 2008, 2:46 am

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 26th, 2008, 2:58 am

HUGE mistake! Leo, I just sent a comment with an AWFUL typo in it! The first line was supposed to say “excellent post” but I mispelled it and my spellchecker gave me two choices. I accidently clicked the wrong one and it came out something else…really bad!

I so hope you moderate all comments, and that this mistake won’t be published! Feel free to change the other word (you’ll know which one) to “excellent”

Apologies from a sloppy-clicker.

Joanna

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

September 26th, 2008, 3:00 am

It seems to be about realizing you don’t need to be good at everything. As long as you have strengths that you leverage instead, weaknesses don’t have to be a problem.

Shindo Says:

September 26th, 2008, 3:19 am

Hi Leo. Discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I think its great. It speaks to me right where i’m at at the moment.

Are you familiar with the ToDo institute? check it out for great rescources on simplicity, valued living , overcoming procrastination etc. highly compatible with your message.

Regards Shindo (UK)

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 26th, 2008, 3:55 am

Okay, here’s my re-rendering of my original comment, this time without the typo:

Leo, this is an excellent post. The part about blogging really speaks to me and is yet another synchronicity in my life. It’s a question I’ve been wrestling with over the past few days.

I love what you wrote. About procrastination–I find that it’s one of my biggest problems as well. Louise Hay, in her book, You Can Heal Your Life, says that procrastination is just a way of putting off our good and suggests that we might be doing it because we feel that we don’t deserve that good.

When I procrastinate, I find that I turn my focus to something else, then work intensely on that. I guess that ability to focus intensely is my “lemonade.”

Thanks for this post–I look forward to reading more. The comments are really good too.

Joanna

Miguel de Luis Says:

September 26th, 2008, 4:03 am

My weaknesses?

Let me see of what I think at this hour,

I am not a native English speaker but I bold enough to be writing a novel. It’s actually quite hard but the internet has made the task “doable”. And not only resources, but people too.

Turning that into a strength. First I have to contain myself and use simple sentence structures. Second my values and perspectives probably look new to the average English speaker.

Glen Allsopp Says:

September 26th, 2008, 4:52 am

The effort you’ve put into guest posts in your time is really inspirational to me. I’m going to try and work out more time for myself so I can get to do these as well.

I’ve done one for ProBlogger so far which worked out well and plan a few more.

Thanks for being an inspiration!

Glen Allsopp Says:

September 26th, 2008, 4:53 am

*Plan a few more for other sites, just incase Darren reads this and thinks I have plans he doesn’t ;)

Cheers,
Glen

Geert Theys Says:

September 26th, 2008, 4:57 am

If I was weak in public speaking I would practise so I would be a good public speaker or writer.

So the blog should be find your strength…

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Says:

September 26th, 2008, 6:07 am

My weakness? I’m an anti-comsumerist trying to sell an information product. I feel like my message of streamlining clashes with my message of buying my info product to stop procrastinating.

How does that become a strength? People see that I must fervently believe in what I’m selling or I wouldn’t be selling it because they know I’m a stickler for authenticity.

Rick Says:

September 26th, 2008, 7:14 am

@CJ
Reading your question the following idea poped up in my mind: what if you actually combine the two actions that you mentioned in one sentence, could that lead to a solution?
So you want to write AND be around people, why not make the people around you part of the writing process? Make a habit of working on your articles together with other people, thinking out loud. Make the forging of the words into sentences a collaborative effort. Maybe a rediculous idea, but are you sure it would not work? Why not just try it?

tigerbee Says:

September 26th, 2008, 8:00 am

I really liked being reminded of this one:

You aren’t fast. So be deliberate. Be more thorough. Be more thoughtful. Work on important stuff instead of cranking out a lot of stuff.

I work slowly and thoughtfully on each of my paintings but always feel like I should be moving faster so I can have a whole portfolio ready to show. I already want the end result even though the journey is the fun part. Thanks for the reminder!

tigerbee Says:

September 26th, 2008, 8:02 am

My weakness would be impatience! :-)

Di Says:

September 26th, 2008, 8:36 am

Thank you for this post. I needed this.

T Says:

September 26th, 2008, 9:14 am

Usually I think the advice here is fantastic, but this one reminds me of a Calvin and Hobbes strip that said something to the effect of,

“So the secret to good self-esteem is to lower your expectations to the point they’re already met?”

“Right. We should take pride in our mediocrity.”

Leo Says:

September 26th, 2008, 9:16 am

@Avi: Procrastination can definitely be a strength. Always put stuff off until the last minute? Schedule it that way on purpose. If you know it’ll take you 2 hours to do something, schedule yourself to work on it 2 hours before a public deadline (make sure you’re accountable to someone else, so you’ll be sure to pressure yourself to do it). This way, there’s no procrastination … you plan to do it that way. Then work your butt off and get things done! Be sure to also work in small chunks, so you don’t have a week’s worth of stuff to do in 2 hours. It takes awhile to learn to work this way but when you do, you’ll find that you really focus (you want to meet deadline).

@Joanna: I never saw your original comment. Now I’m curious as to what the mistake was!

@everyone: Thanks for the comments. I’m glad if I’ve helped anyone to see things in a new light.

Doug Says:

September 26th, 2008, 9:18 am

I really enjoyed reading this post, it reminded me of the taoist paradox as told to me by my taichi teacher.
“there are 2 trees, one is tall and strong while the other is still weak and spindly. They stand next to each other on an open field. Sometimes the wind blows and the weak tree is blown and bends this way and that but the tall tree stands strong and still. The harder the wind blows, the more the weak tree bends in the current of air. Then one night the wind blows stronger than ever before and the weak tree bends more than it has bent before but it is the tall tree that does not bend which is blown down.”
Sometimes what we perceive as a weakness is not really weak. Sometimes what we perceive as weak in ourselves may be seen as our strength by others.

Liora Hess Says:

September 26th, 2008, 9:57 am

What’s funny about these things is several of them are beliefs–they may not even be correct! I think once we label ourselves, we lose power. For example, if instead you tell yourself you are a great speaker, then I believe your mind will search for ways to fulfill that belief with honesty. You begin to see yourself in a new light. Since you now believe you are a great speaker, then maybe that will free you to speak well! There are many mind tricks we can play on ourselves like this. Gosh, Leo, I think you’ve given me an idea for a blog post. You always get me thinking!

Desserts Says:

September 26th, 2008, 10:12 am

very inspirational post! it’s hard to shake out of said habits sometimes and really examine ourselves…but you spelled it out rather nicely! thanks for posting this!

Rose Says:

September 26th, 2008, 10:51 am

If you are struggling with public speaking, join Toastmasters. I have been involved with this organization for over 7 years and I can tell you that I have improved my communication and leadership skills beyond what I ever imagined through this organization. I compete in speech contests, I give talks at organizations, I train and mentor people. It is rather inexpensive - $54 a year. You will learn so much. There are clubs near you. Find one and start on your path to better communication and leadership skills.

Maria | Never the Same River Twice Says:

September 26th, 2008, 11:21 am

I agree with the premise of this post, but really disagree with the title. If you’re trying to improve yourself quickly, you’re always better working to improve your strengths than trying to shore up a weakness.

For example, a naturally scrawny person should probably concentrate on endurance sports rather than take up bodybuilding.

This post actually suggests that people work to their strengths by dissecting their weaknesses and flipping them around, but it explains that in a misleading way.

Helen C Says:

September 26th, 2008, 11:25 am

Thank you so much - this is exactly what I needed to read this morning in particular. Very energizing!

DaveTVT Says:

September 26th, 2008, 11:51 am

There’s much to be said for trying something new as well. I always wanted to take up kendo (”Japanese fencing” is a poor but widely accepted description if you’ve never seen it) but was so heavily involved in another sport (playing/coaching/organising) that I never took the time to find out how. Then at age 41 I decided to make a life change and stop the sport I was involved in and took up kendo. There’s much to be said for going from a position of “knowing it all” to knowing nothing, and standing in line at practice with mouth shut and ears open. It causes you to confront so many of your shortcomings. Whatever you take on, or make a concious change to, it’s probably a long path, and can be pretty tough at times. But you’ll become up a better and more rounded person for it, rather than staying in your comfort zone.

Jon Says:

September 26th, 2008, 12:40 pm

I enjoyed posted about weaknesses and strength. I would offer, though, that you are proposing not to convert weaknesses into strengths, but to look beyond one’s weaknesses to see the strengths they illuminate. For example, to look at your diificulties with writing a novel and see that as a strength for writing a blog doesn’t change the weakness for novel writing. It is simply choosing to see the glass half full. To “convert” that weakness into a strength, I would suggest would involve learning to write bigger and more involved pieces, taking a creative class at a local college, etc. Over time, your weakness could become a strength. Another example would be that person afraid of public speaking. To focus on small group work is to see past the weakness of public speaking to see the strength of intimate conversation. In contrast, to turn that weakness into a strength, one might do something like joining Toastmasters, where one learns public speaking. I think your post is great and dovetails very nicely with a post from a few days ago about not letting your lack of talent in one area overshadow your gifts in other areas. Thank you for a great post and a wonderful blog. I look forward to each of your posts.

Tristan Says:

September 26th, 2008, 13:07 pm

Hi Leo.

As everytime: Thank you for your great posts.

You described exactly the point of view I got to some years ago. My life was horrible chaotic and I didn’t have any clue how to manage it anymore. So I took the hard way to a good psychologist in order to get aware of what’s “wrong” with me. To make it short: I got the diagnosis ADHD and my psychologist, who is today a good friend of me, showed me a way to use most of my deficits (at least what I thought that had to be deficits) into working strengths.
Nowadays I’m working on getting my matura and managing my small lovely family in a way that I had never dreamed of as being possible.

PS: Sorry for my bad English. It’s not my native language and it’s hard to me to formulate a halfways understandable sentence, but I’m learning to master that right now. :)

Katie Says:

September 26th, 2008, 13:33 pm

Thank you so much for this post! It goes along with how I’ve just realized that I don’t work steadily at anything. So I’m learning how to tailor my work habits to the work I want to accomplish. Shorts bursts of activity are also how I get things done.

Maneesh Madambath Says:

September 26th, 2008, 13:35 pm

Impact of anything is in its relevance at that moment. And for that reason I think this is your best post ever Leo, it is for me today.

I particularly liked your first point - which is about doing things in short bursts, it is something I have tried and worked for me as well. And then the last point, everyone’s common excuse of never finding time, I think you just gave it the near perfect answer.

Sarah Says:

September 26th, 2008, 13:55 pm

Yeah, this post pretty much just made my day!

Danny Allen Says:

September 26th, 2008, 14:03 pm

This post pretty much described viewing the glass half full rather than half empty. Any goal can be accomplished with the right attitude.

Angela Says:

September 26th, 2008, 16:18 pm

Saw this post and wondered whether anyone could come up with some suggestions for me to overcome a weakness I have …. A couple of years back I developed repetitive strain injury from keyboard work. I left my job before it became overwhelming debilitating to the point where I was permanently disabled. That was a hard decision because it was a professionally paid job but I was paying such a lot for health treatment outside of work and it wasn’t working as the work environment I was in was causing the problem.

Two years on, I found now that even when I do a small amount of keyboard typing all the old symptoms come back. I’m currently retraining to be a social worker with the long term hope that I can do counselling or therapy work which won’t involve a huge amount of keyboard work. In the interim, I study part-time but even the demands of part-time study are affecting my hands and arms. I’m going to keep at the studying though as I really want to get this qualification. But I’m also looking for some part-time work as I need to earn some money too … and the problem I butt up again a lot at the moment is that most part-time work in the area I live in is a) very low paid and b) involves using the hands and arms a lot - eg call centre keyboard work. I would LOVE to hear of any suggestions as to how I could turn this health issue around into a strength and get some part-time work that worked for me … I have found very few accounts of positive stories about people who have turned their lives around after acquiring RSI - any thoughts much appreciated.

Jason Simon Says:

September 26th, 2008, 16:55 pm

This post is a lot about attitude and I like it. It’s about drawing upon your weaknesses to create something altogether better and new rather than fearing them.

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 26th, 2008, 17:10 pm

Angela, I’m sorry to post this online, but there’s no way to reply to you offline. A couple of things.

First, please see Steve Pavlina’s post titled, How to Find Your Life Purpose in About 20 Minutes. You can see it at http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/01/how-to-discover-your-life-purpose-in-about-20-minutes/

I highly recommend that you try what he suggests. This might help you to redirect yourself to something that’s full of meaning for you, and that you can do without agrivating your medical situation.

Second, please look into getting disability payments. Don’t be ashamed to do this–if you are suffering pain that prevents you from working, you are entitled. Also, the money you may receive from these benefits may enable you to pursue your life purpose. There is a possiblity that you may be able to turn to a lawyer for some help as well.

You go girl! You have a whole new life in front of you! Be excited! This problem may actually be a blessing in disguise–may be just what you need to find the life you’ve always been meant to live!

Joanna

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 26th, 2008, 17:21 pm

Angela,

I’m sorry to reply to your comment online, but there’s no way to reply offline. A couple of thoughts:

First, I highly recommend that you read Steve Pavlina’s blog post titled, “How to find your life purpose in about 20 minutes.” You can find it at stevepavlina dot com–it’s listed on the left under “The Best of Steve Pavlina dot com.”

Second, I hope that you are collecting disability. You shouldn’t be ashamed to do this. If you’re suffering pain that’s preventing you from working, then you’re entitled. The money you receive may help to support you as you pursue your life purpose. You may be able to get some help from a lawyer as well.

You go girl! This injury may be just the thing to catapult you into a whole new life, one that you’re gonna absolutely love! don’t be afraid to find what it is and then to go for it! One day you’ll find yourself saying, “I’m so glad this happened to me, if it hadn’t happened, I never would have…..”

Joanna

Bobby Rio Says:

September 26th, 2008, 18:21 pm

I just recently accepted I will never be Anthony Robbins when it comes to speaking… but i have realized I have an incredible ability to get people to listen to the advice i’m giving them.. which, like you mention works just as well in smaller settings.

I do think that the advice you lay out here does in deed aply to all kinds of situations.

Liara Covert Says:

September 26th, 2008, 20:09 pm

A survey taken of people nearing the end of this life revealed that if they had it all to do over again, they would spend more time on their strengths. Each person has choices every moment. You always do what makes sense to you in a given situation. Looking back, you will always see conditions differently. You have different awareness now than you did before. Every choice is meaningful for the being you are and are becoming.

Squeedle Says:

September 26th, 2008, 20:38 pm

Leo - thank you for blogging. Thank you for finding out who you are and sharing that with the world. You have encouraged and inspired me so much and for that I am grateful. Thank and blessings to you and yours.

Angela Says:

September 26th, 2008, 21:26 pm

Joanna
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them. Without going into too many details, I’m not able to claim disability payments; I wish I could. However, I am trying to make the best of things, it just seems there is a unselect of information out there for people in my situation. I would love to read some positive stories about people who have built new careers after developing RSI.
In the meantime I’m trying to get used to learning to dictate using voice recognition software — in fact, this is my first attempt at writing an e-mail message on the Internet! It’s quite weird talking aloud, rather than just writing on a screen without hearing the sound of my voice. I’m hoping it will get easier using this software as it feels very laboured at the moment and I have a ton of coursework to write! Does anyone else use speech recognition software and dictates regularly? What tips do you have the getting used to take dictating? Any thoughts appreciated thanks.

Angela Says:

September 26th, 2008, 21:30 pm

So my last message had some errors in it!

I meant to say there is a dearth of information out there, rather than there is an unselect as information out there!

Also, I’d like to know what tips people have for getting used to dictating ? Any thoughts appreciated.

Noreena Says:

September 27th, 2008, 0:08 am

I’m going to take your advice and address my weaknesses, or rather my strengths. Good post.

Maura Says:

September 27th, 2008, 1:02 am

Leo, thank you for yet another inspiring post. Your articles have helped me make a good deal of progress changing my life over the last year, especially finances, spending, health, being “present” in the moment, and home organizing. But,my motivation has been lagging for a few months now (ie, becoming an early bird - I’m on track if you call being up at 1am “early” :)) . This post will help me get back on track. And as always, your readers are also thought provoking.

@CJ, if you get lonely writing, then take your laptop to a busy public place, perhaps with a hotspot. Or, write collaboratively with others in a small group, like script writers do. Or, engage a reader community, like Leo does. Or, you could spend time interviewing people as research for your articles or writing.

@Angela, re: injury - you could use it to create a niche for yourself. Become a concise writer with incisive messages. Saves time too. kindly, m. :)

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 27th, 2008, 3:32 am

Angela,

I just Googled handicap + voice recognition success stories and came up with tons of success stories.

Typically with new things, the first steps are the most difficult. Keep at it and you’ll find in no time that it’s a breeze. Take it from me–I’m starting my third year back in school at the age of 53! Just keep at it and be kind to yourself, above all, be kind to yourself. You’re going to love it!

Can’t wait to hear your success story!

Joanna

Joanna Katzen Says:

September 27th, 2008, 3:36 am

P.S. Angela,

to get comfortable, maybe try journaling? Or just holding conversations with yourself–you can say anything!

Odbe Says:

September 27th, 2008, 4:08 am

Great post, I love this innovative way of thinking. Using your weaknesses is just another way of playing to your strengths, it seems.
Your comments about novel writing reminded me of NaNoWriMo, which I found a few years ago - I still haven’t written a novel (and I don’t feel I should have) but I was really inspired by the atmosphere of the project. If you haven’t seen it already I highly recommend you check it out, if only to keep it in mind for the future.
It’s at http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Happy writing :)

Julie Says:

September 27th, 2008, 11:11 am

Thank you Leo for your openness and your honesty. I always generate confidence when I read your posts because you relate so well with your readers.

Keep it real!
Julie

Angela Says:

September 27th, 2008, 11:25 am

Thanks so much for all these comments - it’s really helpful. I think for a long time I really fought the idea of accommodating my RSI - as perceiving myself as disabled in some way - and that’s why I’ve struggled with adapting my lifestyle so much.

Joanna I love your idea of journaling - I certainly need to do some non-work activity that gets me comfortable with using Dragon software - and then hopefully I will get more comfortable using it for my written coursework (by the way, good luck with the studying! I can relate as my current degree is my third which I’m studying at the age of 45!)

And Maura, I like your comments about short sentence style - that hadn’t occurred to me! It just goes to show it is possible to view things differently in every situation!

Bryant Hankins Says:

September 27th, 2008, 13:40 pm

Thanks for the post!

Definitely provides a different take on all the “ignore your weaknesses” and “focus on your strengths” success literature that is currently popular.

FrugalNYC Says:

September 27th, 2008, 14:47 pm

Another inspiring post. I can relate to the short sentence / posts. Enjoyed reading all the comments as well, The community is one of the reasons I come back so often.

becca Says:

September 27th, 2008, 14:54 pm

weakness: i have small hands and can’t play guitar like many of my heroes
strength: i have been forced to develop my own unique style with legendary potential

prin Says:

September 27th, 2008, 15:19 pm

Angela,

I was 49 when I went back to school. I am 54 now and just got my social work degree. yea! it took me 5 long years mainly because of algebra and spanish but I made it. Along the way the laptop i found at a pawn shop for 80 bucks died and i had to get another one. luckily one was donated to me for free. you do know god looks out for social work students don’t you? anyway i lost all my precious research links because of computer death. so last summer when i was particularly depressed because i thought i would never get out of algebra but felt this aching need to make a contribution to the field i started this blog for social work students so they would not have to waste as much time as i did trying to find reputable internet resources for research for free. 99% of the links i have on my blog are free. the blog consists of 12 pages of links that you might find useful. at least i hope you do. i have several readers who are qualified, seasoned social workers also that I learn much from listed on the blogroll page. the blog’s title is prin’s links for social work students and prin at the top of this comment should take you there. have fun :)

Evita Says:

September 27th, 2008, 15:28 pm

Leo - this is a fantastic post.

I was recommended to your site from another blogger and can’t thank them enough. Your posts are great and so in line with how I live my life and learn and most importantly write and connect with others.

It is amazing I bet when you look back at where you were as a blogger and where you are now. I really enjoyed reading this article too because it confirmed within me to keep doing what it is that I am doing in focusing on my strengths and reaching my dream of writing professionally.

Angela Says:

September 27th, 2008, 21:55 pm

Thanks Prin - your site is awesome!

prin Says:

September 27th, 2008, 22:26 pm

you’re welcome :) it’s just a prime example of what we are talking about in this thread…my algebra weakness bore witness to a great strength :) I hope you find it useful :)

Andre Says:

September 28th, 2008, 4:23 am

I saw this post and this Businessweek article at the same time:

Doubling Your Strengths?
By learning how to exploit your “weaknesses,” you can turn them to your advantage
http://tinyurl.com/4apwjf

Both great articles I found via HackerNews or PopUrls

HOBO(nickname) Says:

September 28th, 2008, 6:46 am

My weakness :
I love people around me. The more I have the more I want.
How to turn it into my strength ?
Meeting more & more till whole world knows me for my good work.
:)

B. Wilde Says:

September 28th, 2008, 12:34 pm

Leo - I have been following you for a couple of weeks as I’m getting my blog up and going. You have such a great way of making your readers feel inspired to write and pursue their passions rather than being superior with an attitude that you’re the expert and above it all. You are an expert but with an abundant approach. You have certainly affected my life and the lives of many you will never know. I love how you encourage me to embrace my weaknesses. We spend so much time running away from them rather than confronting them and seeing what truly lies within us. Keep writing!

Jeanette Says:

September 28th, 2008, 14:35 pm

Thanks for the reminder that you don’t have to be a public speaker if it’s not your forte. I’ve beat myself up for not doing speaking engagements to get new clients…but my strength lies in one-on-one conversations and blog posts. Thanks for helping me re-embrace my weak-strengths!

WhyLoo Says:

September 28th, 2008, 16:29 pm

thats good thank you

CrackingDays Says:

September 29th, 2008, 7:19 am

Virtue comes from overcoming our weaknesses. I mean, think about a very impatient person. When he strives to become patient his patience becomes a virtue.

Miss Gisele B| myBeautyMatch.com Says:

September 30th, 2008, 5:14 am

Another excellent post Leo. I was not a good public speaker initially. To overcome this weakness I used to do demo practice in front of my family and relatives. Then I gradually start communicating in front of small groups and now finally I feel confident while addressing in front of huge audience.

bflyeffect Says:

September 30th, 2008, 9:16 am

great post!

Lisa | Holistic-Treatment-for-Depression Says:

September 30th, 2008, 12:20 pm

I believe that life gives you the challenges that are the most difficult for you to master so that you grow into the person you are intended to become. For me, one of my biggest struggles for many years was depression, and by facing my feelings and researching natural means of balancing mood, I’ve emerged on the other side as a happier person, and I’m also using this information to help others. It’s often the issues that are the most painful for us that hold our potential.

Ruth Says:

September 30th, 2008, 12:36 pm

Wow, you have a lot of comments. That must be a lot to keep up with. Kind of makes me thankful that my blog doesn’t have so many readers…kind of.
I, too, have found that blogging makes great use of my strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and as a stay-at-home mom with very little time to spare.
I really appreciated this post, and am really enjoying your site. Great work!

Copywriters Needed- No Experience Required- $200/hr Says:

September 30th, 2008, 15:52 pm

I think the biggest thing is figuring out the root of the problem first. Why do you procrasinate, why are you a weak writer or a weak blogger? I find that the biggest problem that most people have is finding motivation. Motivation is the key to everyone’s success, but sadly, people do not know how to muster any up. Good post! :)

Chris Says:

October 1st, 2008, 5:47 am

The public speaking portion really hit home for me. I liked how you put a new twist. By nature I’m an introvert and have been working to improve my social skills. I thought that public speaking was the end result, but I liked how you shed a new light seeing that you can have one-on-one communication which I excel at. I think your posts are great and it provides different view points which I never realized.

Keep em coming!

S Says:

October 1st, 2008, 14:12 pm

Sorry, but avoiding a weekness doesn’t turn it into a strengh.

Derek Says:

October 7th, 2008, 19:05 pm

While I would like to say that I agree that this is a great way to become successful… I think people should focus on their strengths instead of trying to turn weaknesses intro strengths.