We’re all bad at something. Each of us has at least one weakness: Maybe a bad temper, impatience, or attitude issue. In order to grow as a person, it’s important that we don’t just bury these imperfections.. We need to deal with them in a healthy way. This begins with admitting our weaknesses and accepting them. This can be extremely difficult, especially as a person in a leadership position or as a head of the household, but it is also much more important for these individuals. You set an example for others to follow!
“You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don’t, it hurts even more.” ~Aretha Franklin
People often fear exposing their weaknesses because they’ve assumed that their coworkers or friends and family won’t be accepting of them.. What we ultimately fear is rejection, which is always a possibility—but practicing vulnerability in the right setting can be beneficial. It would be unwise and inappropriate to disclose all of your secrets and personal battles to everyone, but sharing your real needs and concerns with a few close, committed friends can be very helpful. This can make us feel more supported and less alone during times of stress, and seeking support and insight helps us grow and develop in our relationships, as well as in our own character. Be transparent and open!
“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” ~Criss Jami
Admitting failure is a must. When you’re willing to accept that you have made mistakes, then you are freeing yourself to grow and learn from it. This also sets a standard for others to do the same. People respect and are attracted to others who maintain openness, because it helps them grow and feel more understood. One of the most important parts of leadership and building relationships is learning to admit when you’re wrong, and being willing to learn from it!
“I find that when you open the door toward openness and transparency, a lot of people will follow you through.” ~Kristen Gillibrand
Once we accept our shortcomings and admit our failures, the final part of dealing with weaknesses is always seeking opportunities to grow. When we step back and look at each situation and say, “What is this trying to teach me?” then we’re actively growing in character through each experience and mistake. It isn’t enough to only be open and admit our weaknesses— We each need to always look for areas that can be improved. A great way to accomplish this growth is through an accountability group or friendship.
“Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” ~Misty Copeland
Here’s some tips to help you take back your power, deal with your weaknesses, and set a healthy example of character development:
- Identify a few major weaknesses you need to admit to yourself.
- Acknowledge some weaknesses that you need to discuss with a trusted friend.
- Determine a few ways you can look for opportunities to grow from these weaknesses.
- Keep openly adjusting and moving forward.