Whether you want to have stronger relationships, improve your career, or just give up on chocolate, you need to learn to push yourself beyond your limits. Start by analyzing your life to identify its weaknesses, then change the way you see your frailties, and finally, address them as they become apparent.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Your Weaknesses
Step 1. List the situations that have produced adverse effects
It is normal for some things to go your way and others a little less in the course of your life. By making a list of your failures or flaws, you will learn to recognize your frailties. Write down anything that didn't go the way you hoped.
For example, if you continue to have relationships that don't last more than a few months, don't hesitate to write it down
Step 2. Find links between the situations you have identified
If there is one thing that all your shortcomings have in common, you've discovered a weakness. Once identified, you can start developing a strategy to improve. If you can get over it, the results you get in the future are more likely to match what you expect.
For example, if you struggle to get along with family and colleagues, your communication skills may be poor
Step 3. Ask for an opinion
It is not certain that we are always able to identify our weaknesses. Sometimes, it is helpful to ask the opinion of people we are familiar with. So, reach out to your boss, your partner, or anyone who knows you well.
Don't get defensive when you want an opinion. If you thank the other person for offering honest advice, they will be more likely to open up to you in the future
Step 4. Think about what you want to change in your life
If you lead an unrewarding life in some respects, the reason may be that you feel fragile or inadequate to handle it as you should. Take this into account and see if there is any link between your weaknesses and the changes you intend to make. You may find that the improvements you need to make all focus in one direction beyond your control.
For example, if you want to have a cleaner home and a less cluttered office, it is no exaggeration to think that you may lack space organization. Finding a weakness is the first step to overcoming it
Part 2 of 3: Redefine Your Weaknesses
Step 1. Ask yourself to what extent each fragility can help you
The mind does not purposely rely on weak points, but it does so in an attempt to protect us or come to our aid. The sooner you understand what benefit you could derive from it, the sooner you will be able to find a more constructive solution to cope with difficult situations and overcome your weaknesses.
- For example, hesitation in approaching strangers may come from the fact that you have been taught that strangers can be dangerous and that, to protect yourself, you must stay away from them.
- Remember that no one is perfect. If you have difficulty in certain areas or in acquiring certain skills, rely on your strengths. For example, if you're not good at math, maybe you can feel proud of your writing talent.
Step 2. Use your strengths to overcome your weak ones
There are several ways to frame a task or situation. Instead of focusing on the skills you are lacking in, try to take on the assignments that are assigned to you by using your skills. In this way, you will increase your self-confidence and be able to do more things than you expect.
For example, if you are not very good at accounting but proficient with computers, you can manage your calculations by putting them in a spreadsheet so that it solves them for you
Step 3. Count on your support network
Interactions with others are a strength in any situation. If you admit that you need a hand in certain areas, you can involve colleagues and peers in your activities. You can also learn to overcome your weaknesses by observing how others perform the same tasks.
Difficulty keeping in touch with people or relying on them could be a weak point! In this case, go out of your way to learn to rely on others
Step 4. Try to fill in your gaps
You can take a training course, workshop or seminar to develop certain skills. Alternatively, consider finding a mentor to help you grow and overcome your frailties. You could also read a manual or search the Internet for material to improve yourself. If your weaknesses are of emotional origin, you may even consult a psychologist to help you solve the underlying problems.
A psychotherapist or mental health professional will help you identify your behavior patterns and habits so that you can make positive changes in your life
Part 3 of 3: Addressing Your Weaknesses
Step 1. Develop an action plan in an essential way
Once you have identified your weaknesses, you need a program that allows you to correct them. Establish time-bound goals. Under each milestone to reach, decide which actions will allow you to stay on course and achieve positive results.
- For example, if you have poor speaking skills, make it a goal to speak casually in front of an audience. Try to concretely plan the various steps, such as writing a speech, reviewing it aloud, presenting it first in front of a person and then in front of a wider audience. Eventually, you'll be confident enough to say it in front of an audience.
- Explain your goals to other people to help you hold on. You could also ask a mentor or friend you trust to motivate you and check your progress.
Step 2. Use your strengths to fuel your self-esteem
While you're busy overcoming a weakness, don't forget the things you're good at. In this way, your self-confidence will not fail, but you will be able to fill your gaps. Plus, as you enrich your skills, you will feel more skilled and prepared.
For example, if you have a real talent for writing speeches, you can help others process them until you are comfortable with delivering them on your own
Step 3. Keep track of every success
Weaknesses are defined as such for a reason: it takes work and dedication to overcome them. Even if you don't reach a goal, acknowledge the progress you've made. By doing so, you will maintain a positive mood, be able to reap the rewards and continue to face difficulties.
- Even if you don't have the ability to harangue crowds, believe in yourself when you attend a meeting or present a project to your colleagues.
- Be proud of all your achievements. To commemorate them, try taking some photos, post on social networks, or go to a restaurant with friends.
