We all have weaknesses, and I, my fair share. Recently, a few of my weaknesses have been made clear to me. In as humbling and sad that is, it’s also shown me the growth I can have while turning those into strengths.
Recently I sat down with a friend and discussed business ideas. My friend explained to me that she didn’t think I would be successful, because I “don’t have the heart for it.” The heart for rejection. Basically that it would really hurt me and I’m not strong enough to move on and not let it effect me.
This set off a fire inside me. Something screamed out in me “Okay, so my heart is my weakness, but why can’t it be my strength?” I immediately switched my narrative. I refused to let it limit my ability to grow.
Here’s how I changed my weaknesses into strengths.
Heart: If you have a compassionate heart this is always a strength! We need more people like you in this world. I’m not sure why this is turned into a weakness in the eyes of the world. What I did first was note that my heart is an extremely important part of the person I am. Maybe others run their business more bold and selfish, but I run mine all for the people I serve.
I love those around me. In my business I try my best to find ways to help those I serve. I think to myself “what can I do to add value?” “What do these amazing people need that I can help provide to on top of my services?” That is the kind of thinking a person with a kind heart have.
I know I look for people like that to support in business. Those are the kind of people I want in my corner. A heart to help those around you is an incredible blessing from God. Use it, and don’t feel bad about yourself for feeling.
Selfish: I think that being selfish can go both good, and bad. It’s the intention you have behind it. However to a lot of people the word selfish is always a negative connotation. Why does it have to be though?
Recently I’ve been more selfish with myself. I know what I deserve in life and I stick to it. I don’t allow others to walk all over me. I don’t allow people to tell me who I am. I know who I am, and I move forward in that.
I think being selfish is good when you fill, fill, fill everyone’s cup. That becomes exhausting. You deserve to fill your own cup first, and then fill others. Selfish people know their worth, they fight for their businesses and do whatever it takes to achieve goals.
Pessimism. This trait has been one I’ve been trying to change in my husband. I’m very optimistic, and he, more of a realist. I have as well shared lots on the power of positivity. Positive thinking and manifesting.
Pessimism helps you have a clear understanding. Where as I go in the world thinking people are as nice as I think they are. This keeps you from being overly confident and trusting.
I have grown to love this quality in my husband. He looks at life with different lenses that help us make the right choice. We take a little optimism and a little realism and move forward in the middle of those.
Messiness: I know that I put a lot of stress in my organization. I love a clean and tidy home. My stress moves through the roof if the place I live is messy. Its clouds my thinking and pushes me down.
However, I have not always been like this. Growing up my room was always messy. Took weeks to get enough motivation to clean it. I believe that’s why I love a clean home so much now. For all those years I took it for granted.
There are studies that show that messy people tend to be more creative and think outside the box. I think Einstein said it best when he said, “if a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to think of an empty desk?”
Always remember that your weaknesses are only that if you allow them. You can turn anything into a strength if you just change your mindset. Don’t give anyone the power over you to tell you what your weaknesses are. They don’t know how you are using those to be the best version of yourself.
I challenge you all to search for those qualities that others may deem “weakness” and find how to strengthen them. Before long those same individuals will dream to be just like you.
All my love,
Talesha